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RICH SQUARE – Malcolm Gerald Best, age 80, passed away on November 20, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio, while visiting his son.

Mr. Best was born in Goldsboro, NC, on July 16, 1940, a son of the late Lonnie and Lannie Shingleton Best. He was retired as an Auto Body Repairman. Malcolm was a longtime devoted member of Potecasi Baptist church where he served his church in many capacities including Sunday School superintendent for over 10 years, deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years, as well as serving as Youth Director and sang in the choir. Mr. Best was an outdoorsman and loved to fish and enjoyed frying those fish or fried chicken and inviting over his friends and neighbors. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Besides his parents, Malcolm was preceded in death by a sister, Thelma Odom.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Annie Mae Best; his daughter, Julie Ann Best-King and husband, Adam of Rich Square, NC; two sons, Jeffrey Martin Best and wife Carla “Dale” of Rich Square, NC, and Christopher Gerald Best of Asheville, OH; a sister, Ruth Askew of Smithfield, VA; a brother, Lonnie Best, Jr. and wife, Juanita of Rich Square, NC; and five grandchildren, Hailey (Steve) Klatt of Portage, PA, Jessica King, Emily King, Amanda King, and Joshua King, all of Rich Square, NC.

The family will receive friends at the home. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks will be required for the visitation and the service.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the Potecasi Baptist Church Cemetery, Woodland, NC, with Rev. Dr. J. Brabban, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692; or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; type Malcolm Best.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Best family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.