Thomas 'Tommy' Edward West, Jr., 75, of Newport News

Thomas 'Tommy' Edward West, Jr. (Weymouth Funeral Home & Crematory) Thomas 'Tommy' Edward West, Jr., 75, peacefully passed away early Sunday morning, August 23, 2026 with his wife by his side and the Golf Channel playing softly in the background. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Debra Allen West; a son, Steven West and his wife, Catherine; a daughter, Kellye Clouser and her husband, Daniel; two incredible grandkids, Ethan and Ellie Clouser; a sister, Alice Kretzinger and her husband, Keith, and many special nieces, nephews and in-laws. Tommy's passions in life included his family, a love for sports and the satisfaction of always being right (whether he actually was or not). Tommy was always a dedicated player on a team, starting with Little League in Smithfield. His most memorable times, though, were playing football, basketball and baseball with Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, VA. He gained 'celebrity' status in 1967 when he made the first touchdown in the brand new Todds Stadium in Newport News, VA. Tommy continued playing sports when he began working at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1972, where he entered the Apprentice School and joined their baseball team. Throughout his shipyard career, Tommy would quietly wake up at 5 am every weekday, leaving his sleeping family, in a quest to find the perfect (any) parking space at the shipyard. He did this through sickness and in health for 40 years, finally earning the honor of becoming a Master Shipbuilder before retiring in 2012. When Tommy was not working, he could be found playing for a local softball team or officiating a softball or basketball game, depending on the season. If all else failed, he could be found yelling at a game of some sort on TV. After retiring, Tommy turned his attention to playing golf. He and his golfing buddies played in the rain, the snow, the extreme heat, and the freezing mornings. Whatever he did, he did to the fullest, from loving his family, to working to support them, to immersing himself into sports. He will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CJD Foundation, 3634 W. Market St., Suite 110, Akron, Ohio 4433.