Heavens' new addition

Tony Best

January. 3, 1939 – December 17, 2010 Herman L. "Tony" Best, 71, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2010, at Wayne Memorial Hospital

Tony was born in Wayne County on January 3, 1939 to the late John Herman Best and Myrtle Worley Best. He was a retired volunteer fireman at the Little River and Princeton Fire Department. Tony was an auto body repairman at Kemp Motors. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Medlin and Rev. Joey Lancaster officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. Tony is survived by his wife, Marjorie Pittman Best; his children, Tony Best and wife, Deanna of Pennsylvania, Terri Lancaster and husband, Gordon of Goldsboro, Phillip Best, Donna Sauls and husband, Bryant of Eureka; his grandchildren, Martha Spence, Hannah Best, Holly Best, Haley Best, Chip Best, Joey Lancaster, Tiffany Best, Nikki Best, Dylan Best, Kayla Sauls, Brylee Sauls and; his great grandchildren, Paul Spence, Ayden Lancaster, Brock Lancaster and Bethany Lancaster; his brother, Norwood Best and wife, Christine of Goldsboro; and his sister, Nona Gray and husband, Raymond of Pikeville.

The family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com

Two weeks ago today I was rushing to get the kids out of the car and Ayden, my oldest says "momma, I had a dream last night" I said "that's great baby, as soon as we get back in the car tell me all about it." Well, I got Brock and Bethany dropped off at school and took Ayden to work with me. I forgot all about his dream so we went about our day and at lunch time his dad picked him up from my work. About 4:00 as I was leaving to pick up Bethany & Brock from daycare I called Joey and he said "Amy, I need to go see my grandpa right now." I knew right then it was not good and I also had a flashback of the morning of Ayden wanting to tell me about my dream. Joey dropped Ayden off at my grandmas so he could get to the hospital so on my way home I called over there and asked her to put Ayden on the phone. I asked Ayden to tell me about his dream and he said "momma, we were at "papa at the beach's" house and we were on the couch and were happy, I said Ayden "where was great papa," he said, "he was laying in the bed and momma, it was the end"...... my heart dropped at that very moment. I told Ayden I loved him and I'd see him in a little while and called Joey. ***************************** About 7 months prior we were all getting ready in the morning for church, I was brushing my teeth and Ayden came in and said "momma, I had a dream last night" he said it was Christmas and papa at the beach was not there." I told Joey about the dream but we kept it to ourselves in hopes that maybe, just maybe it was "just a dream." our hearts knew though, that this was not just a dream. In February of this year Joey's grandfather was unexpectedly diagnosed with melanoma cancer. This completely rocked our worlds because Mr. Best was healthy, in fact out of all of our grandparents he was the most healthy and energetic. Mr. Best started chemo pretty quick and things seemed to be getting a little better. He was so strong, a young man could not have endured the things that he did and he hung in like a champ. At one appointment he even broke his nose when he fell and yet he still continued to stay positive and continue the treatments. We still continued our annual trips to the beach this year on July 4th and Memorial day but it just wasn't the same without "papa at the beach" (that's what my kids called their great papa) able to walk us out to our car as we were leaving or with us watching the 3rd street parade. In the back of our mind, especially Joey's, he knew that it would be the last time having his granddaddy at the beach. On Halloween night we took the kids over to visit their great grandma and papa and we were able to get a photo with papa, just like Joey had when he was a little boy. This photo will be cherished forever because we knew how hard it was for his grandpa to even be able to get up and visit and he did. Thanksgiving was the hardest holiday this year. My first Thanksgiving with the Best family I was blown away; Joey's grandma had everything on the table ready at 12:00 sharp, his grandpa took a photo with his disposable camera, they asked the blessing and we sat down as a family and ate. I remember thinking "wow, a warm and fussy normal Thanksgiving meal, just like I always dreamed of! Every year since that meal 7 years ago it's been the same and I love it every time. This year Joey's grandfather was able to make it to the table and I watched as he stood for the prayer, shaking in so much pain and yet he stood for the entire prayer. It brings tears to my eyes now thinking of what an honorable thing he did that day. The days after Thanksgiving are all a blur because they seemed to go so fast. That Monday Joey's mom visited with her dad, Mr. Best, while her mom visited her son for his birthday. Mr. Best's arthritis was really acting up and he was in so much pain that Terri (Joey's mom) took him to the hospital. It was at that visit they found that is was not arthritis it was the cancer that had spread to his bones. Again, our hearts sank and the memory of Ayden's dream 7 months prior started to come back to Joey and I. For the next two and a half weeks Mr. Best was in the hospital, his wife stayed by his bedside feeding him, stoking his hair and keeping him comfortable as they went through rounds of radiation to try to zap the cancer. All the family members were at the hospital as much as they possibly could be there. Every minute they were off of work or had any spare minutes they were there. Joey's grandmother, Mrs. Best took only short breaks away from her husband. I was sitting in the hospital room one night when I got off of work and was so overwhelmed with emotions watching this women show her husband so much compassion and love, it was so thick in the room it consumed the whole room. I even said out loud this is a true picture of love. I watched as she looked at her husband in pain and slowly fading away with love in her eyes like it was the first day she had laid eyes on him, it was truly amazing. Thursday, December 16th around 2:00 in the afternoon Mrs. Best received the news that the cancer had spread to her husbands liver and he only had a few weeks to a month to live. My son tried to warn me early that morning with his dream but in the business of the morning I didn't stop and listen to God's voice in the form of a little four year old's dream trying to prepare Joey and I for the events that were about to take place. Joey went immediately to the hospital when his grandmother called and I was able to be there around 7:30 that night when I got off of work. Joey's uncle and aunt were able to get there along with the rest of the family. The only one that was not able to be there was Joey's mother who was at home with the worst stomach flu she had ever had in her entire life. My heart broke for Joey's mother who I knew would have given anything to be able to be in that room that night. Even though the doctor gave weeks to a month for Mr. Best we all knew, we knew without saying anything that his time was much shorter. Friday morning, December 17th at 2:55 am God called Mr. Best, daddy, granddaddy, papa at the beach, home. He passed away peacefully with his wife and two of his children holding on to him quietly in his hospital room. When we heard the phone ring at 3:15 that morning we knew, God had prepared us 7 months ago through our son and then again the day before with another dream. Even though we were prepared you are never ready to let someone go. I quietly rolled over and tears fell and I waited a few hours to fall back asleep. Joey likes to be left alone when he is upset so I let him have his time to process everything and I knew he would be ready to talk in a few hours. A few hours later we got up and got ready for work. We decided to go ahead and tell Ayden. We explained that we were very grateful for Ayden telling us about his dream because it gave us a heads up that great papa was going to live with Jesus. We explained that papa would not be on earth anymore but he would be in heaven and it was not a sad event because being with Jesus was the absolute best thing we can hope for. Ayden broke our hearts when his voice cracked a little and he said "but now there will be an empty chair at Thanksgiving." At the end of the conversation Ayden was sad but he understood and was happy that his great papa was no longer in pain. We then headed out to work; Joey hurried with his day so he could go and be with his grandmother, mom, and the rest of the family as they began making the preparations for Mr. Best's funeral. The weekend was a great time of reminiscing and just joining together with the family. The rest of the family made it in so the kids got to play with their cousins. It was nice to catch up with everyone.

Joey's grandmother asked Joey the night they learned of the liver cancer if he would speak at his grandfather's funeral, Joey knew it was coming because I had talked to Joey about a month before and told him that God dropped in my spirit that he needed to start preparing the talk for his grandfather's funeral; it still didn't make it easier when the question was officially asked. Joey agreed but his heart was heavy knowing of the task ahead. Sunday night Joey took about 2 hours alone and prepared for the message he would be giving with another pastor, Reverend Jim Medlin. The days before Joey asked some of the family members to write down some notes about Mr. Best. The night before the funeral the final notes were turned into Joey so about 10:00 Monday night the final preparations were being done on the message "Tony Best (Granddaddy) Celebration of Life" Monday night, December 20th was the wake & visitation at Seymour Funeral home. The usher helping estimated that about 300 people came through the line. It was amazing to see the variety of people that came through the line. It was very apparent that Mr. Best touched many lives of all ages and walks of life. The whole family kept a joyful spirit about them as they greeted the many visitors that came to show their respect and support the family.

Tuesday morning, December 21st was the day of the funeral. The service started at 10:00 am. The family all sat quiet in the family waiting room. I think everything was finally settling in with us that Mr. Best was not with us anymore. Right at 10:00 we went into the family seating room to watch the service. Joey was the first to speak and welcome everyone. I could only hear him but I knew in the sound of his voice that God had touched him. On the way to the funeral home that morning Ayden and I prayed that God would give Joey the anointing to be able to control his emotions so that he would be able to say the words that God would have him say that morning. Joey sounded confident while he delivered the words about his granddaddy, his confident tone became even stronger when he began to explain why his granddaddy was in heaven. Joey has such a powerful anointing and calling from God on him, I knew it the day I met him and it's so amazing to see him speak and tell people about the Lord. There was twice when he voice cracked just a little becoming choked up speaking about his granddaddy but overall he did amazing. Joey used the stories from the family members to describe the man Mr. Best was and what he was remember for. Out of all the stories told, none were remembering Mr. Best for materialistic things, they were all the intangible things of life.... time and love. That what he was remembered for, sharing time with each of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and family and loving them with every ounce of his being. We didn't miss Mr. Best because of the things that he bought us, we miss him because of all the things he taught us. Reverend Medlin did a great job of finishing the service with a message of hope in Jesus. He had a wonderful way of explaining death. He said it's like a balloon, when all the air is removed there is just a shell left. The air is what gives that balloon life. Now Mr. Tony's "air" is with Jesus and again in the words of Joey..... this Christmas "my granddaddy is going to be able to look at Jesus face to face and tell Him Happy Birthday." This was the paintcan that Mr. Best used for over 30 years at Kemp motors. This flower represents so much more than meets the eye. It represents his hard work with his hands, his love for his job, family, and life. It represents the people that were touched by his love and the lives that were impacted by him. What a beautiful arrangement and testimony!

The graveside service is what hit me the most. The casket was closed and Psalm 23 was read The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. That sums up how life for Mr. Tony is now..... surely goodness and mercy shall follow him for the rest of the days of his life and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever. It's not goodbye forever, it's forwell for now. We'll see you in a little while Mr. Best, daddy, granddaddy, "papa at the beach"(great papa). As we were leaving Joey's grandma's house that Tuesday afternoon I caught myself looking back at the door just one more time. Everytime we would leave from Joey's grandparent's house, no matter what his granddaddy would walk us out and wait waving until we were out of the driveway before he would turn and walk back in. Just as Joey finished his talk at the funeral I will end with the same poem from Mr. Best's granddaughter Nikki.....

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around you & whispered come with me. With tearful eyes, we watched and saw you pass away. Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the BEST.

· -RIP Grandpa. 12-17-10

Here are some of the comments from Mr. Best's memorial page

Granddaddy, thank you for always being there for me. Thank you for being the best granddaddy anyone could ask for. Thank you for teaching me how to work hard. Thank you for teaching me how to love others, how to love my wife, and how to love my children. Every time I play with my children I think of you. You will never be forgotten. I love you. Save me a spot close to you up there. :)

-Joey Lancaster

Grandpa When I got out of school Friday I was told the bad news, and after I was told all I could think about was throwing that cast net out off the canal pier. And every time I would throw that net into the canal and my hope of catching something was slim. And I would never give up trying to catch something no matter how tired I was getting and that’s why that was the first thing that came to my mind, Grandpa never gave up. And I spent a lot of time thinking like maybe I should of listened more, and spent more time with him. And I felt so guilty like he done everything for me, and I didn't do anything for him and I realized that I did the greatest thing I could do I said I love him before he died. Sincerely Dylan Best

John Dylan Best lit a candle for Tony Best

So sorry to hear about your loss. Praying that Gods Peace will carry you during this trying time. I will be praying for comfort.

-SusanPearsall

Susan Pearsall lit a candle for Tony Best

Tony, I whish I could have met him. By knowing you I know he was wonderful man and father. My thoughts go out to you and your family. I hope you find comfort and peace with your loved ones and God bless you all.

-Paul Salter

Tiffany lit a candle for Tony Best

Tony, I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My God Bless & give you strength to you and your family in this difficult time. -Renee

Renee lit a candle for Tony Best

Annette Parker lit a candle for Tony Best

Marie Best lit a candle for Tony Best

Tony, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. -Kathy Colvin

The extended family of Tony(son) here at Camp Lejeune wish to extend our prayers to the Best family. Tony spoke fondly and often about his father, and although this earth will be poorer without him, heaven is richer.

-Mickey Manes

Tony (son) you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I didn't know your dad, but watching the wonderful video, made me feel like I did. We are here for you at work when ever you need us.

-Patti Settle

Papa Best you will be missed greatly but our hearts our full of joy that you are with the Lord now!

-Amy Lancaster

Tony will be missed by all that knew him. He was one that you could count on if you needed anything. Always willing to lend a hand to help. We will miss him at Surf City coming over talking about fishing. God Bless Your Family, -Stephen & Kim Ray

Joey Thompson lit a candle for Tony Best

Clement lit a candle for Tony Best

Margie and family; My heart is saddened by the loss of Tony and I wish terribly that I could come and be with you all right now; however, I can't at this time. Martha and Chad are coming. I am glad Martha and I got to visit you last spring and that Tony got to see his great grandson from Georgia. I will always treasure the memories of the times we all spent together and the good food and good time we had. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve. Love you - Janet