Terry D. Best, 68 of Southport, passed away on March 27, 2024 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice House. He was born on November 9, 1955 in Nash County, NC to the late Talmadge O. Best and Rozelle (Burnette) Best. He was the loving husband to Sharon (Smith) Best for 32 years.
After high school, he went on to become a Truck Driver. The open road, scenic drives and traveling the country brought him solace and joy.
In his spare time, he was a man who passionately enjoyed the craft of cooking as he was a great family cook; it can be contested which he was better at, cooking or playing pool? While his home cooked meals won him the love and praise from his family, our mantle is covered in plaques and countless trophies, big and small all from pool tournaments he won. To call him “Semi-Pro” would have been an insult to his talent and it shows.
Terry was also a great, lifelong fisherman and owned dozens of rods, nets, and several tackle boxes which were filled with a lifetime’s accumulation of baits, weight, and hooks; all evidence of a passion thoroughly enjoyed and now passed on to his blessed and eternal grateful son.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Shannon Lee Best Fleming (James); son, Jonathan Thomas Best; sister, Cynthia Stinson (Dave); brother, Tony Best (Joann); sister-in-law, Brenda Hendricks; brother-in-law, Mike Black; grandson, Trent R. Fleming; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son, Joshua Terry Best; and two brother-in-law’s, Charles Batton and Mack P. Hendricks.
A Celebration of Life service to honor Terry will be held at 1:00 pm on April 12, 2024 at Spring Lake Park, 210 Pine Rd, Boiling Spring Lakes, NC 28461.
Terry will be remembered most for the family man he was. The most important role to Terry was being more than just a father, he was a “dad.” More still, he was a great listener, a confidant and his he was his son’s best friend. He is forever missed by all who loved him and were lucky enough to know him.
To express condolences or to share a memory, please do so below.
Coastal Cremations- Carolina Shores is serving the family.
9 Comments
I was saddened to hear of Terry’s passing, I know he’d had a time of it over the past few years. I really enjoyed our times at the Senior Center shooting pool and shooting the Bull. He helped me greatly with my game and I’m sure a few others. He will be truly missed. My thoughts will be with his family at this time.
I was so sorry to hear about Terry’s passing. I have been playing pool with Terry for over 20 years, First at Breaktime in Wilmington and later at the Senior Center at Shallotte. He was great player and always made me play better. We had a mutual respect and admiration for each other. I will really miss him and my deepest condolences goes to his family. Please let me know if I can do anything at my email or you can call me at 910-207-8986.
Sincere condolences. Life is just too short, no matter the years, leaving only memories. May the countless, fine memories of Terry forever warm the hearts and bring smiles to the faces of all who knew him. May comfort be found in knowing that death was never God’s plan, (Gen.1:28; Rom.5:12) and one day death will be no more, as (Rev.21:4) loved ones will be resurrected (Acts 24:15) with the hope of life forever in paradise, on earth, as (Ps.37:11,29) God intended. Cherish the hope and the memories of Terry.
Terry was admired by all at the Senior Center in Shallotte especially by the guys in the pool room where he so much enjoyed playing his favorite game and spending time with all his pool buddies. In 2023 he was recognized as having won the most weekly tournaments in the entire year! We all loved and admired him for his skill of the game and his calm demeanor. He served as a great example for others to follow and many among us tried to model our game after his. He will truly be missed and will continue to be an inspiration to us all.
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Cynthia, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother! I know, from listening to you, that you love him very much. I’m sure he will be missed! You are very blessed to have the assurance of seeing him again, being he knows our Lord and Savior! You are in my thoughts and prayers! Love you!
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