Smithfield – Nathan Carlton West, age 79, passed away on January 29, 2025, in his home of Smithfield, surrounded by his family. Born, February 17, 1945, in Johnston County, he was a son of the late Nathan West and Nadine Batten West. He is preceded in death by his brother, Tommy West, and step brother, Thomas G. Johnson.

Carlton proudly served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Benson American Legion for many years. He worked and retired from both Raleigh Linen Service and Wake Med. After retirement, he stayed busy working with Partnership Estate Management for multiple years before he decided to retire for good and spend more time with his wife and dogs Angel and Gracey.

Carlton had love for music. He sang in the Missionaries Quartet gospel group traveling multiple states performing at renowned locations to include the Loretta Lynn ranch and singing with other well-known gospel groups to include the Happy Goodman Family.

Whatever he set his mind to do, he did with perfection. This was seen in the craftmanship shown through the mandolins he made and played to his favorite bluegrass songs. He will always be remembered for his smile and love for his family.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home in Selma with Rev. Joseph Ballance officiating. Burial will follow in Hills of Neuse Memory Gardens in Smithfield. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 3:00p.m. prior to the service.

He is survived by his loving wife of more than 58 years, Mrs. Ann Parker West, son, Nathan West Jr. and wife Delia, of Four Oaks, daughter, Pamela West of Smithfield, sister, Janie Ellis of Selma, grandchildren; Nathan E. West and fiancé Stephanie Fish, Colby L. McLamb and wife Lauren, Alex W. West, Jenson K. McLamb, and great-granddaughter, Peyton Rae McLamb as well as his aunt, Gwen Love of Dunn.