James Best

Dr. James Richard Best age 90 of Thomasville, AL went to be with the Lord on June 13, 2024 at his daughter’s home in Opelika, AL. He was born August 22, 1933 in Woodville, TX to James Fletcher and Annie Floy Maclin Best. Dr. Best was licensed to the Gospel in 1950 in Woodville, TX. He was a graduate of East Texas Baptist College, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Luther Rice Seminary, He served churches in Woodville, TX; Kirbyville, TX; Leesburg, TX; Athens, TX; Marshall, TX; Nome, TX; Beaumont, TX; Eustace, TX; Lufkin, TX; Alpine, TX, Decatur, AL; Colmesneil, TX; Portland, OR; Grove Hill, AL; Coffeeville, AL; Thomasville, AL; Frisco City, AL; and Millers Ferry, AL. He also led missions in Mexico, Jamaica, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Guatemala. He was currently the Pastor Emeritus at Thomasville Baptist Church.

He is survived by two daughters, Teri (Frank) Dukes of Opelika, AL, and Dr. Daveta (Dr. Frank) Dozier of Thomasville, AL; son, Tim Best of Riverside, TX; sister, Annie Best Combs of Beaumont, TX; six grandchildren, Christy (Chris) Mooney of Opelika, AL; Richard Dukes of Auburn, AL; Corrie (Blake) Green of Smiths Station, AL; Laura (Lewis) Boltz of Starkville, MS; David Dozier of Huntsville, AL; and Julie (David) Parham of Chicago, IL; nine great grandchildren, Gabe Mooney, Zane Mooney, Jack Mooney, Rachael Mooney, Jacob Kent, Caleb Kent, Rhea Green, Tripp Green, and Zerah Boltz; family and numerous friends throughout the United States, Mexico, Jamaica, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Guatemala.

He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Bobbie Benton Best, his brother, Benjamin A. Best, and step brother, Edward Best.

Funeral services were held at Thomasville Baptist Church on Tuesday June 18, 2024 at 10:00 am with Rev. Ty Parten officiating. Burial was at Choctaw Corner Cemetery in Thomasville, AL.

Pallbearers were; Brayden Williams, George Pugh, Ken Pugh, Issac Parten, Joey Luker, Bob Megginson, George Overstreet, and Richard Roberts Arrangements by O’Bryant Chapel Funeral Home. 326