Russell Stephen West

Russell Stephen West, 39, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at his home in Birmingham, Ala., late the evening of Wed., Feb., 1, 2017. A Maryville, Tenn., native, lifelong member of Maryville First United Methodist Church, 1996 Maryville High School graduate, and 2000 graduate of the University of Alabama – Birmingham (UAB) Horizons School, Russ is survived by his devoted parents, Steve and Ruth West of Maryville; brother Charles (Mary Beth) West and nieces Elizabeth (14), Maggie (11) and Rachel (7) of Maryville; Uncle and Aunt Steve and Anne Jones and cousins David (Jeanne Claire) Jones, Meg (Bennett) Millikan, and Marsha (Jed) Dance – all of Knoxville, Tenn.; Uncle and Aunt Pete and Tina Hunt and cousins Jason of Johnson City, Tenn., Andy (Becki) Hunt of Kingsport, Tenn., and Mary Beth (Terry) Warwick of Alcoa, Tenn.; Uncle and Aunt Robert and Lucy West Lee of Lebanon, Tenn., and cousins Susan (Greg) Bennett of Estero, Fla., and Rebecca (Scott) Walker of Lebanon, Tenn., along with many beloved second cousins and extended family members. Russ is preceded in death by grandparents Charles and Barbara West of Maryville, and Pryor and Margaret Hunt of Tellico Plains, Tenn. Born July 1, 1977, at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, Russ faced early challenges from birth with physical and developmental disabilities, but with the love, guidance and devotion of his parents along with family, friends, teachers and coaches, Russ rose above these challenges throughout life. As a youth, Russ participated in many activities, and he earned numerous medals including gold from Special Olympics, notably in downhill skiing among other sports. Early on, he showed strong talents in visual arts and was an accomplished illustrator and painter. An avid reader particularly of science fiction, Russ’ creative talents also extended to writing. He even self-published a full fictional novel as an adult. Russ looked forward every year to attending with his parents the annual Comic-Con convention in San Diego, Calif. His own collection of comic books was extensive, and he enjoyed creating similar graphic styles in his own artwork. Russ’ parents worked with him diligently to strive for independent living in adulthood, and the UAB Horizons School in Birmingham, Ala., provided an excellent path for post-secondary education and training for life- and work-skills development, as well as friendships with other students and families facing similar challenges. Upon graduation from the UAB Horizon Program, Russ lived independently in Birmingham on a permanent basis and gained employment with the UAB grounds keeping department, where he was employed for nearly 10 years, and later worked for Habitat for Humanity and Target. Services are planned Sunday, Feb. 5. A private, family graveside service at 1 p.m. will be followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Maryville (804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, TN 37803). The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Wesley Hall of the church. Honorary pallbearers will include all employees and retirees of West Chevrolet and the Heritage Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church of Maryville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation noted in memory of Russ West to either Maryville City Schools Foundation’s Special Education Fund (Maryville City Schools Foundation, 402 Melrose St., Maryville, TN 37803) or Area 15 Special Olympics, c/o Maryville-Alcoa-Blount Co. Parks and Recreation Commission, 316 South Everett High Road, Maryville, TN 37804. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Russell Stephen West please visit our Sympathy Store.