Dr. Hugh Harris West, Sr.

Dr. Hugh Harris West, Sr. died on February 14, 2022. He was born January 4, 1938 in Worth County near Doles, GA and grew up in Poulan, GA. He was the son of Buford G. West and Janie L. (Fambro) West. He graduated from Sylvester High School in 1956 and earned a B.S. degree from Georgia Southern University in 1960. While at GA Southern he was inducted into Kappa Phi Kappa Honor Society and Alpha Psi Omega Dramatic Honor Society.
He taught Biology and Physical Science at Americus High School from 1960-1963 prior to attending the University of Georgia from 1963-1968 where he received an M.S. and PhD in the area of Mycology and Microbiology. His master's research interest was concerned with the effects of certain anti-fungal agents on the growth and morphology of various dermatophytic fungi associated with superficial infections of the skin. His doctoral research was associated with the mechanisms of sexual reproduction among certain Aspergillus species. While at the University of Georgia he was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Dr. West has resided in Valdosta since 1968. He retired from Valdosta State University in 1994 where he taught in the Biology Department for twenty-six years. In addition to teaching, he had a passion and talent for landscape gardening and design with a primary interest in residential landscape. There are numerous home landscapes in the Valdosta area that bear his mark as well as many friendships that were initiated and continued over the years due to landscaping. He was also quite passionate about preservation of historic neighborhoods in Valdosta and was a founding member of Brookwood North Neighborhood Association.
Dr. West is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jerry Register Bryant West Valdosta, GA; four sons, Guy Bryant; Robert (Kathy) Bryant; Hugh (Linda) West, Jr; Jud (Elizabeth) West all of Valdosta; one daughter, Amanda (Andy) Wierling, of Smyrna GA; eleven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Memorial services for Dr. West will be held at 4pm on Friday, February 18, 2022 in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Dr. Chuck Owens, Rev. Mac Weaver, and Rev. Dennis Massie officiating. Following the service, a celebration of his life will be held at Park Place, 108 W. Park Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31602. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crescent, P.O. Box 2423, Valdosta, GA 31604 and/or the Historical Society, The Lowndes County Historical Society, 305 W. Central Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home

This service will be live streamed on the tribute wall of this obituary, the live stream will start shortly before service time