Max R. West

Services will be held at 3:30 pm, Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the First Methodist Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Jonathan Crabtree will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:30 pm until service time at the church.  Graveside service will be at noon Monday, January 6, 2025, at the Shelton Cemetery in Copiah County with Mark Lowe officiating.

Max R. West, a native of Copiah County, passed away, leaving a remarkable legacy of service, community involvement, and love for his family. He graduated from Union Church High School in Union Church, MS, and went on to honorably serve four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.

Following his military service, Max pursued his passion for forestry at Mississippi State University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree. This achievement marked the beginning of a distinguished 37-year career with the Mississippi State Forestry Commission, during which he spent 28 years as the District Forester for the 13 County East Central District in Mississippi, where he made significant contributions to forest management and conservation.

Max was a dedicated member of the First Methodist Church in Philadelphia, actively engaging in church activities as a Sunday School Teacher and participating in the M&M Fellowship. His genuine love for his church and commitment to working with the youth ministry reflected his deep faith and desire to inspire younger generations.

In his retirement, Max channeled his creativity and passion for craftsmanship into woodworking, becoming a skilled toy maker. For over 20 years, he shared his delightful handcrafted wooden toys at his booth at the Neshoba County Fair Flea Market, bringing joy to countless children and families. Additionally, Max enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tending to his garden, generously sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors.

Max is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Virginia West; daughters Penny (Kenny) Dickerson and Cindy (Randy) Thomas, all of Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Ashley (Chris) Davis, Hollie (Drew) Breland, Spencer (Jessica) Dickerson, Taylor (Jordan) Dickerson, and Hunter (Alex) Dickerson; and 10 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Faye McDaniel of Union Church, son-in-law Bruce Lindsay, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his cherished daughter, Janice West Lindsay; granddaughter, Rachel Lindsay; and his parents, Hollie and Mellie West, along with siblings and their spouse's Harold and Loraine West, and Helen and Merle Ferguson, and Earlene and Otis Sebren.

Max R. West’s legacy of dedication to his family, community, and faith will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be remembered for his kindness, service, and the positive impact he made on the lives of those around him.

Pallbearers are: Drew Breland, Chris Davis, Spencer Dickerson, Taylor Dickerson, Hunter Dickerson and Dr. Michael Shrock.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Russell Adams, Chris Jackson, Jeff Breazeale, Jimmy Prince, Eric Prince, Kent Stribling, Bruce Lindsay, Kenny Dickerson and Randy Thomas.