Lynwood C. Westray
Cite this Page
"Lynwood C. Westray," White House Workers History Project, White House Historical Association, 2026, https://whha.whirlihost.com/Detail/workers/1113.
- Position
- Butler
- Years in President's House
- 1962 – 1994
- Legal Status
- Free Person
- Gender
- Male
- Race/Ethnicity
- Black or African American
- Biography
- Lynwood Clayton Westray was born in Washington, D.C. on September 17, 1921. (1) Westray served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later worked full-time for the U.S. Postal Service. (2) On the side, he worked part-time as a butler at the White House beginning in 1962, and stayed there for thirty-two years. (3)
Once, while serving Prince Philip during a 1976 State Visit, the Duke of Edinburgh turned the tables on Westray and poured him a drink! The two shared a conversation over a cordial, and Westray recalled “that was one thing I'll never forget, having been served by royalty." (4)
He retired from his position in 1994– but when asked about incoming President Barack Obama’s historic election, Westray replied “I wish I was 30 years younger so I would be there ... when he came in. Let's see, I worked for eight presidents. The ninth wouldn't hurt." (5)
In honor of his service, the D.C. Council declared October 27, 2013, as "Lynwood Clayton Westray Day" in the city. (6) Westray passed away on December 14, 2014. (7) - (1) “Lynwood Clayton Westray,” Ancestry, https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/person/tree/7338153/person/110133576679/story.
(2) Ibid.
(3) “Lynwood Clayton Westray Recognition Resolution Of 2013,” Washington D.C. Council Bill 200114, Legiscan, https://legiscan.com/DC/text/CER20-0114/id/939390.
(4) “Former White House Butler Reflects On His Service,” All Things Considered, NPR, January 15, 2009, https://www.npr.org/2009/01/15/99418917/former-white-house-butler-reflects-on-his-service.
(5) Ibid.
(6) “Lynwood Clayton Westray Recognition Resolution Of 2013,” Washington D.C. Council Bill 200114, Legiscan, https://legiscan.com/DC/text/CER20-0114/id/939390.
(7) Details related to Westray’s burial were kept private. “Lynwood C. Westray Obituary,” Stewart Funeral Home, https://www.stewartfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Lynwood-C-Westray?obId=2453501. - Birthplace
- Washington, D.C., USA