Carl Genair West, 79, of Palatka, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at his home following an extended illness. A native of Conway, South Carolina, he had resided in Putnam County for 50 years moving there from Gainesville. Carl began his working career as a manager at the Gainesville Sun Newspaper and then became employed with the Huntley Bros. where he first served as manager of Huntley Bros Hardware and then worked at the home offices with the company and later was employed with Universal Lighting. Following his tenure with Huntley Bros., Carl worked in several different fields including as an agent with Western Southern Insurance Company, Security Feed and Seed in Crescent City and finally at the Buckman Lock with the Florida DEP – Cross Florida Greenway. Carl was a member of Peniel Baptist Church in Palatka and had served as the song director at Dunns Creek Baptist Church when it first began years ago. Carl had served in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He had also been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Palatka and the Lions Club of Palatka. In his leisure time, Carl enjoyed motorcycles and bream fishing and playing golf.
He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey Carl West and a brother, Doug West.
Carl is survived by his wife of 32 years, Barbara West of Palatka, a daughter, Julie Richter and husband Steve of Palatka, 3 sons, Stephen West of Lake Butler, Keith Arbuckle and wife Ruth Ann of Palm Bay and Johnny Arbuckle and wife Margo of Palatka, a brother, Vernon West and wife Alma of Fort White, 13 grandchildren, Lindy Smith (Oliver), Toni Lynne Strickland (Morgan), A.J. Revels (Randi), Renea Norris (C.J.), J.D. Arbuckle (Allison), Natalie Stonecypher (Jacob), Amy Godwin (Jay), Danielle Arbuckle and fiancé Brandon, Allison West, Tony Turner (Katie), Justin Turner (Christy), Jason Turner (Krystal) and Matthew Turner (Whitney), 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services celebrating Carl’s life will be at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, July 20, 2015 at Peniel Baptist Church with Dr. Benny Reynolds and Bro. Bill Wing officiating. Burial will follow at Palatka Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Hospice of Citrus and the Nature Coast, 927 S. Hwy 19, Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Carl’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.