William Randolph "Randy" West

Tragic accident takes local business owner leaving behind many

On Sunday, November 18, 2018, William Randolph West, fondly known as Randy, suffered a tragic accident.  Beaufort County EMS and Bluffton Township Fire Department responded to the accident and cared for Mr. West.  He was transported to the burn center in Augusta, GA where he later passed away surrounded by family and friends.  Randy was a loving supporter of his daughters Shellie West (Eric Eckert) and Leigh West Brown (James Brown), and a beloved husband to his wife Gayla Howell West.  His three grandchildren Lucius Hodges, Illa Hodges and Evybelle Hodges will remember him as the devoted “Papa” that could accomplish anything…all you had to do was ask.  Not only a mentor to his children and grandchildren, he was respected by the local river rats that grew up in what WAS a very small town. He also survived by his sister Barbara West Judson (Judd Judson) of Thompson, GA.

Born in Brunswick, GA on 01/17/1947, Randy was in a Bluffton State of Mind for 40 years.  Randolph West Builders General Contracting is evident in this community, a testament to his expert skill.  He was always willing to share his experience to help this community thrive.  He shared a love of animals with his daughter Leigh (Owner of Critter Sitter of the Lowcountry) and his entrepreneurial spirit was passed to his eldest daughter Shellie (Director of The Greater Bluffton Chamber).  He had faith in the responsible development of this community and subsidized the establishment where the Chamber is housed.

Fishing, both inshore and offshore, was a favorite pastime along with developing lifelong friendships on the water.  It was well known that his capabilities extended to fixing boat motors, lawnmowers, old cars, and the list goes on and on.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed intellectual conversations with his daughter Leigh over a beer on a golf cart with pause to enjoy a beautiful Lowcountry sunset.  His creativity was unleashed on handmade furniture, and wooden whittled jewelry and trinkets.  With Gayla, he grew a beautiful garden and a loving relationship.  He was her unexpected everything to match her kind heart.

His unfinished project with the Bluffton Rotary was a planned pavilion for the next phase of the Oscar Frazier Park.  Greater Bluffton Chamber will continue to support community fundraising efforts to finish the project in his honor. He was a “Jack of all Trades” that gave all and expected nothing in return.

He will be missed by his dogs Rocky and Baby Girl. For donations in his memory, family members suggest Maranatha Farms, Jasper Animal Rescue, Palmetto Animal League or Rogue Rescue.

The family will receive friends beginning at 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm, Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Rd, Bluffton.

Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton is assisting the family with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Randolph "Randy" West, please visit our floral store.