Richard W. Best

Mr. Richard W. Best, 75, of Surf City and formerly of Goldsboro, died Tuesday at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

A native of Wayne County, he was the son of the late Chester P. Best and Julia Matthews Best and served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Best owned and operated Richard Best Texaco in Goldsboro for over 35 years. He was a former member of Woods Grove Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, and was currently a member of Holly Ridge Church of God where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and was a choir member. Mr. Best was a member of the Civilian Auxiliary Police Force in Surf City.

Funeral services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold Heath and Rev. Steven Dupree officiating. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park with military honors. A memorial service will be Sunday, November 2, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Holly Ridge Church of God (on Hwy. 50 in Holly Ridge).

Mr. Best is survived by his wife, Judy Coker Best; his children, Rick Best and wife Ani of Goldsboro, Robin Lanier and husband Wayne of Surf City, Renee’ Geary and husband Doug of Surf City, Roman Best and wife Brette of Raleigh; his grandchildren, Jennifer Lindsey, Sidney Best, Cooper Best, Jordan Lanier, and Noble Geary; his sisters, Emily Waters and Louise Parks of LaGrange; and a brother, Chester P. Best Jr. of Goldsboro.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home and other times at the home of his sister, Emily Waters, 2543 N. Beston Road, in the Coker’s Mill community.