On March 21, 2009, William (Bill) Best, Jr. went home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Best, Jr. and Ruby Kate Best, his loving wife Cora Robinson Best.

William Best was a member of Northside Church of Christ for many years, where he dedicated his life to Christ.

He was born in Osteen, Florida on December 12, 1930 and was reared in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he attended and graduated from Chisholm High School. He was a star football player at Chisholm High and went on to play with the FAMU Rattlers. He soon left FAMU and joined the Marine Corp where he was a Helicopter Mechanic. After serving a tour in Japan, he returned home and took on serveral different jobs. He was the First Black engineer for Florida East Coast Railroad and retired after 37 years of service.

He leaves to cherish his memory, sisters, Libby Harrell and Marelyn Isaac; sons, Charles Anthony, Daytona Beach, Florida, Gary Johnson, Deland, Florida; daughters, Vanessa Best, Jacksonville, Florida, Tavier Joquin (Ronald) Jacksonville, Florida, Coralyne Igweike (Arthur) Austin, Texas; stepson, Stanley Hayes, Daytona Beach, Florida; 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and devoted friends.

He loved his Harley Davidson Motor Cycle, he was an avid fisherman. He loved traveling, spending time with his family and eating good food.