CECIL GRAHAM BEST JR.
Aug. 8, 1930-May 6, 2014
Graham Best passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2014.
Born to Cecil G. and Nellie Steele Edwards Best, he was a lifelong resident of Goldsboro.
Graham, Class of 1949 Goldsboro High School, attended Wake Forest College, and was a brother in Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
Following military service in the Air Force, his company, Best Realty and Building Co., developed residential and commercial real estate.
After retirement, he resumed his passion of sculpting historical military figurines, and created a series of Red Shoe Clowns. In 1999, the Arts Council of Wayne County sponsored a one-man show of his work, and he was also recognized in juried art shows for many years.
He was an avid scholar of military history, a witty raconteur and a life member of the Elks Lodge, and privately helped many charities and individuals.
Graham greatly valued friendships and family.
In speaking of life, he always said his children were his life achievement.
Surviving are his devoted wife of 56 years, Billye Canady Best; son, Graham III of Goldsboro; daughter, Cathy Best, her husband, Jon Chibnall, and their children, Ailsa and Conor, all of Northridge, Calif.; his son, Deleon Best of Cornelius, N.C.
Also surviving are his sister, Betty Best Rand; nephew, Warren Rand; cousins, Anna Best and Russell Lee; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bea and Bob Fowler and Marilyn and Johnny Hardie; nephews, Brad, Craig and Dan Fowler and Leslie and David Hardie.
His lifelong friend is George Kannan of St. Petersburg, Fla.
The family is at home, 106 Hilldale Lane.
Online condolences may be sent to www.shumatefaulk-funeralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the charity of your choice.
Private services for the family will be held at a later date.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 11, 2014 1:14 PM