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Obituary: Guy Best (February 26, 2013) |
Guy Best
1925-2013
Guy Shelby Best, 87, a native Boyle County resident, died Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, after an 18-month residency at Thomson-Hood Veteran Center in Wilmore.
Born Sept. 18, 1925, he was a son of John Shelby and Emma Russell Best. He attended Danville High School, where he played football until his early enlistment in 1943 into the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Pacific for three years until World War II ended.
Returning home, he attended Centre College, continuing his education and his love of playing football. Later, he was employed with Corning Glass. After a three-year family business venture in Washington, D.C., they returned to make Danville their home.
Guy’s legacy includes presiding over the local HUD office from 1964 to 2004. His accomplishments with HUD are visible in the renovation of downtown Danville, the section eight housing program, Arnold Tower and the Sixth Street, Seventh Street and Russell Street Urban Renewal projects.
However, he felt most rewarded for improving the living conditions of numerous Danville residents. His efforts led to Danville’s All-Kentucky and All-American City designations.
He was involved in many civic activities, both in Danville and throughout the state of Kentucky. He was past president of the Kentucky Housing and Redevelopment Association Inc. and served as vice president of the Southeast Region Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
He was a member of Danville Rotary Club and Centenary United Methodist Church, where he was a former board member. He was a past president of Danville Country Club.
He enjoyed golf, fishing, football, dancing and playing bridge. Guy was a true gentleman who will be remembered for his patriotism, professional and civic accomplishments, and leadership, and his love of people and community. Most importantly, Guy will be remembered for his loving devotion to his family and friends, and his faith in God, which led him through his 87 memorable years.
Survivors include his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Faye Wesley Best; a son, Shelby Best, a daughter, Gay (Lawrence) Bowen; three grandsons, Tyler Best, Wesley Best and Will Bowen; a sister, Helen Gardner; a niece, Helen Banks; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A committal service will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post No. 18, The Patriot Riders and the U.S. Marine Corps.
The family would like to thank the many people who provided so much love and support throughout Guy’s illness, especially the Thomson-Hood staff, the Pruitt Sunday School Class, and Dr. and Mrs. Finley Hendrickson.
A celebration of Guy’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2013, at Centenary United Methodist Church, followed by visitation and a reception. The Rev. Quentin Scholtz will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church chapel fund or your favorite charity.
An online guestbook is available at www.stithfuneralhome.net.
