Michael Bernard "Chico" West

Michael Bernard West, (“Chico”) was born on September 3, 1971, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to the late Cullen Simpson Gaffney and Betty Jo West Newman. He departed this earthly life on July 13, 2025.

Michael was a 1991 graduate of Broome High School, in Spartanburg, SC. During his high school years, he was known for his athleticism on the football field, where he wore jersey #44. He went on to attend Wingate College in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he continued his football aspirations as #36. Michael was a sports enthusiast, especially fond of watching football and golf. He also enjoyed a good cup of coffee. He attended Lewis Chapel Baptist Church, which provided him a sense of spiritual enlightenment and community.

In addition to his father, Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Naomi West; and his paternal grandparents, James Gaffney and Jesse Mae Gaffney.

Michael leaves to cherish fond memories to his beloved mother, Betty Newman; one stepdaughter, Rinika Lowrance; three sisters, Katina (Toraze) Green, Regina Gaffney, and Genesis Newman; and a host of  uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends all of whom will miss him dearly. The family will receive friends at the home of his maternal grandfather, Earl "Jack" West Jr., 3201 S. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Community Mortuary Inc., 102 Marion Avenue, Spartanburg, SC. 

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