John R. Best

Pastor John Best

CHARLESTON – Pastor John Ray Best, 77, of Charleston, passed away Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by family.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Charleston Bible Church, 2605 University Drive, Charleston, Illinois with the Memorial Service honoring his life to immediately follow.  Private burial was in Thomas Lincoln Cemetery, rural Lerna.  Arrangements: Harper-Swickard.  Memorials: Charleston Bible Church.

John was born January 9, 1946 in Mattoon, son of James Virgil Best and Dorothy May (Sappington) Best.  He was united in marriage to Marian Dee Perkins, June 7, 1969 at Elgin, Illinois; she survives.  They were blessed with three children, Jim Best and wife Linda of Savannah, GA, Nate Best and wife Rachel of Green Valley, IL, and Joanna White and husband Seth of Charleston; eight  grandchildren, Emily Teasley and husband Phillip, Samantha Quach and husband Chris, Josiah Best, Hannah Kartzmark and husband Joe, Abby Best, Adrian O’Kee, Jonathan O’Kee, and Harper White; one brother, Gary Best of Ventura, CA; two sisters, Brenda Stone and husband Chris of Toledo and Barbara Best Robertson of Florida; and a sister-in-law, Tina Best of Charleston.   He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ron Best.

John was a graduate of Charleston High School, Eastern Illinois University, and Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music, Pastor’s Course of Study.  He was a member of Charleston Bible Church, where he had served as Pastor for more than eighteen years.  John had served as Pastor in several congregations, for a total of forty-four years.  John was a faithful servant of God, and was devoted to his family.

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