Celebrating the life of
Willis Harold West, DDS
October 25, 1927 - November 26, 2008
Savannah- Dr. Willis Harold West, 82, died November 26, 2008 after a short illness.
He was born on October 25, 1926 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of the late Willis Yates West and Emmie Whittle West.
Harold was selected to the first class of music students at the Brevard Music School in 1936 studying piano performance. This was the beginning of a life long love of music that he shared with friends and family everywhere for the rest of his life.
Harold was a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and practiced in Anniston, Alabama. After closing this practice, he became the Director of DeKalb County Dental Health Services. He then moved to Savannah in 1978 and became the Dental Director of the Chatham County Health Department until his retirement in 1982. He was currently serving on the board of the Savannah Speech and Hearing Clinic.
For his next career, Harold became immersed in the music scene in Savannah and was a favorite piano entertainer for private parties. In addition, he tuned pianos throughout the city for both private and city festivals. He was a long-standing member of the Piano Technicians Guild and tuned pianos for the Savannah Symphony concerts among his many clients.
He was an active performer with the 13th Colony Barber Shop Chorus for thirty-one years, as well as a member of the Stone Mountain Chorus in Atlanta and the Savannah Symphony Chorale.
He had a keen interest in the people and cultures of the world and enjoyed traveling to many countries. He made several trips teaching English to young Polish students. In Savannah, he was a reader for disadvantaged students in the Chatham County Public Schools. Harold was a selfless individual who tirelessly put others first.
Harold was a passionate advocate for the environment. He was one of the pioneers for the recycling movement in Savannah. In order to minimize his impact on our fragile planet, Harold lived a simple, energy efficient life. This fact has been and will continue to be a source of inspiration for many of those he touched.
For his love of music, he was forever contributing his time and talent to The Savannah Music Festival, Coastal Jazz Association, and multiple musical events. Harold is survived by his brothers; Stanley Carroll West Merlene, of Franklin, Tn.; Dr. John Heath West Kay of Savannah; nephews Britt West Samantha, Jack West Christina, David West, niece Ellen West Barber Andrew, 2 great nephews, Sam West and Jordan West, and great niece Kate Barber.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Piedmont, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made in Harold's memory to: United Way of Savannah, 428 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401, Savannah Speech and Hearing, 1206 East 66th Street, Savannah, GA 31404, Live Oak Public Libraries, 2002 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401, Brevard Music Center, Brevard, NC or Georgia Public Broadcasting,
Please sign our guest book online at www.foxandweeks or savannahnow.com.
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Hal and I joined the Savannah Barbershoppers in March of 1978 and have been great friends ever since. He will be greatly missed. Al Andres
- Al and Pat Andres, Savanah, GA
We were shocked and saddened to read of Harold's passing. He was always so full of life and he neither looked nor acted his age. I was pleased to meet Harold as a fellow member of the Savannah Symphony Chorale a number of years ago and our friendship developed into a business relationship - I prepared his tax returns and he tuned our piano. He also entertained at social gatherings for my civic organization, the Exchange Club of Savannah. We were honored to know him as a friend and he will be sorely missed.
- Anita and Charles Bragg, Savannah, GA
It was great to sing with Hal. He made some of my first 'bari' learning tapes When I started with 13TH Colony Sound. He will really be missed, especially on the tight chords. God Bless!
- Milton Johnson, Savannah, GA
Dr. West was a dear person. He tuned our piano and played for my husband Tom,'s50th birthday party. That was Jan.2000. We have a great picture in our photo album of him. Our sympathies to the family. He will be remembered fondly in our hearts.
- Tom and Katherine Owens, Savannah, GA
It was with great sorrow to hear about Harold's death. As his first cousin once removed, we had a very odd relationship, bound together by a mutual interest. It was an interest that we only discovered in one another maybe 5 years ago, but which kept us in contact with one another. I only wish I had had the opportunity to have known him closer. I appreciate the attention and respect he gave to me and my family!
- Curtis Vaughan, Renton, WA
We have had the honor to know Harold for several years. He tuned the piano down in the tavern at the Olde Pink House where I played. I could always depend on him to fill in for me. We will miss his friendship and his smile. I appreciated his love for music and his support of mine.
- Jesse & Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
Hal and I joined the Savannah Barbershoppers in March of 1978 and have been great friends ever since. He will be greatly missed. Al Andres
- Al and Pat Andres, Savanah, GA
We were shocked and saddened to read of Harold's passing. He was always so full of life and he neither looked nor acted his age. I was pleased to meet Harold as a fellow member of the Savannah Symphony Chorale a number of years ago and our friendship developed into a business relationship - I prepared his tax returns and he tuned our piano. He also entertained at social gatherings for my civic organization, the Exchange Club of Savannah. We were honored to know him as a friend and he will be sorely missed.
- Anita and Charles Bragg, Savannah, GA
It was great to sing with Hal. He made some of my first 'bari' learning tapes When I started with 13TH Colony Sound. He will really be missed, especially on the tight chords. God Bless!
- Milton Johnson, Savannah, GA
Dr. West was a dear person. He tuned our piano and played for my husband Tom,'s50th birthday party. That was Jan.2000. We have a great picture in our photo album of him. Our sympathies to the family. He will be remembered fondly in our hearts.
- Tom and Katherine Owens, Savannah, GA
It was with great sorrow to hear about Harold's death. As his first cousin once removed, we had a very odd relationship, bound together by a mutual interest. It was an interest that we only discovered in one another maybe 5 years ago, but which kept us in contact with one another. I only wish I had had the opportunity to have known him closer. I appreciate the attention and respect he gave to me and my family!
- Curtis Vaughan, Renton, WA
We have had the honor to know Harold for several years. He tuned the piano down in the tavern at the Olde Pink House where I played. I could always depend on him to fill in for me. We will miss his friendship and his smile. I appreciated his love for music and his support of mine.
- Jesse & Gail Thurmond, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
