Jackie Howard “Gus” Best, 82, of Henrico, NC, passed away on September 3, 2021.
Gus was born in Seminole, OK, on February 8, 1939, graduated from Marlow High School and attended Oklahoma Baptist University on an athletic scholarship.
Gus served honorably for 26 years in the United States Navy and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.
During Gus’s military career, he served as an Air Traffic Controller on the USS Valley Forge and USS Shangri-La as well as numerous Naval Air Stations, including Hawaii and Norfolk.
He loved and enjoyed the Navy and the opportunity to serve his country.
After his honorable discharge in 1983, Gus worked a number of years as a civilian contractor for the Navy before eventually moving to Lake Gaston.
Gus was a founding member and President of the Lake Gaston Computer Club where he often taught computer classes.
He enjoyed both fixing computers and teaching others how to use them.
He also loved spending time with friends and family on the water at Lake Gaston, bass fishing, and watching fireworks.
Gus attended Lakeside Lutheran Church in Littleton, where he volunteered with the Food Bank and enjoyed delivering food to shut-ins.
Gus also helped run the sound system and assisted with other technology needs in the church.
Gus was preceded in death by his parents Willie and Bertha Best, his wife Diane Pearce Best, and his brother Bill (Betty).
He is survived by his wife Margaret Thompson Best of the home; daughter Angela Best Henderson (Wayne) of Tallahassee, FL; sister Betty Gordon (Carl) of Wichita, KS; brother-in-law Dennis Pearce and family of Tallahassee, FL.
He is also survived by Margaret’s family: daughter Tracy Patty (Don) of Henrico, NC; son Carl Thompson (Jennifer) of Apex, NC; granddaughter Leslie LaBelle (Robert) of Holly Springs, NC; grandson Brian Patty of Fuquay-Varina, NC; great-grandson Caden LaBelle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service honoring Gus will be held on Saturday, September 18th with a viewing from 10:30 to 11:00 at Frazier & Son Funeral Home in Rochelle, GA, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 with visitation following.
In addition, a celebration of Gus’s life will be held at Lake Gaston at a later date.
Online condolence can be made to: www.wrennclarkehagan.com