Kerry Michael West

Kerry Michael (Mike) West, formerly of Dalton, passed away in Marietta on September 30, 2025, after a brave, two-year fight against pancreatic cancer. He was 77. Mike was born in Dalton on October 25, 1947, to the late Buford D. and Emma Estelle West.

He is survived by his wife, former Daltonian Lisa Johnston of Marietta; his sister, Deby West (Rick Livingston) of Dalton; Lisa’s brothers, Chris and Andy; and a number of cousins, nephews and nieces, and others.

Mike graduated from Dalton High School in 1965 and earned a B.A. in sociology at Auburn University. He proudly served as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Stateside, his 30 years in State of Georgia government included both the Department of Labor and Department of Corrections as a counselor, planning analyst and in other roles.

Mike married Lisa Johnston in Atlanta in 1983, and over the years, the couple enjoyed taking trips, the arts, tackling the New York Times Sunday crossword, and 20 years of lakeside living. An avid reader and history buff, Mike was a talented amateur artist who worked in painting, sculpture and other media. He also wrote many short stories, an unpublished novel and a humorous dictionary with nearly 1,000 entries. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 5th from 2 until 3 PM at Love Funeral Home. A private graveside will follow in West Hill Cemetery.

Mike kindly asked that flowers be omitted and any donations be made in his memory to the American Red Cross.