Charles R. West

Charles (Chuck) Raymond West, 92, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at his home in Hillsborough, North Carolina.  Mr. West was born in Union, South Carolina to the late Frank Charles West and Ruby West on June 23, 1931     Chuck was a graduate of Union County public schools and of Wofford University with a degree in Accounting.

Chuck is survived by his beloved partner of 62 years, Dr. William (Bill) Johnston, his brother and sister in law; Jack West and Diana Calabrese of Joanna, South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a host of close friends in the Duke University community and many other dear friends as well.  Chuck and Bill have been lifelong travelers and antique collectors, and their classic home outside of Durham is a showcase of valuable antiques and art from all over the world.  Classical music has also been a major part of his life, and he and Bill, a renowned organist, have been a part of concerts and recitals throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Until recently Chuck has been a regular participant in Sunday morning worship at Duke Chapel while Bill served local congregations as organist.

Together they have created a legacy of more than half a century in service to Duke University. While Bill served in academic posts on one side of the Duke campus, Chuck spent more than 27 years on the other side of campus as Director of Corporate Payroll services, responsible for all Duke employees, both Hospital and University.  Operating for most of that time  in an era without computers—initially he and his staff did not even have adding machines--Chuck built a team which handled the distribution of 25,000 paychecks every two weeks from their cramped office in Duke's business center in the famous Allen Building  His  team was marked by an ethos of pride in its work,  and it was  devoted to serving  Duke's entire community.

In 1969 when student protestors unexpectedly occupied the Allen Building, his staff was at work.  When he and Dr. Johnston were recognized for their outstanding service in 2018, Chuck was asked how this impacted his staff's work.  Chuck said, "We could hear the hammering of nails through the walls, and we were concerned that the building would be set on fire.  "I turned to my team and I said, "We have a payroll to get done.  Do your thing."  The staff divvied up financial records for safekeeping and hustled out of the building—and made sure everyone got paid.

Chuck was a beloved figure on campus and was known by staff members in almost every department.  Upon his retirement, he received the Duke University Award for Merit for his exemplary service.  In his retirement years he followed one of his passions and became an excellent ice skater, practicing almost daily.  When he was not skating or traveling, he spent many hours gardening on their beautiful grounds on the Little River.

Chuck and Bill's legacy will live on though their ongoing gifts to Duke.  Together they have established a Professorship and multiple Fellowships in the Duke University Department of Pathology.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, June 3, 2024 at Union Memorial Gardens conducted by their close friend, The Reverend Dr. Gene Jester. Chuck will be buried next to his parents.

Chuck and Bill have been especially grateful to their good friends and neighbors, Ed and Cat Causey, to dear friend, Brian Kennedy, to Tracie, David, and Shelby at Baird, and to all the wonderful staff of HomeWatch, and Duke Hospice for the loving care that they both have received during the last several months.

Funeral arrangements are being provided by the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home, Union, SC and Clements Funeral Home in Durham, NC.