Edward Parker Best

Edward Parker Best of Durham died on Nov.4, 2008. Ed was born on May 29, 1927 in Woodland, NC to Neb and Anee Parker Best. He graduated from Woodland Olney High School and from Wake Forest Uneersity in June 1950. Ed and Betty Grey Whitten of Richmond, VA were married ineeptember, 1950. Ed was a veteran of World War II where he served in the U.S. Navy. Later he served in the NC National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve for 28 years. He was employed by NC Blue Cross Blue Shield and served in the sales department in Roanee Rapids, Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Durham for 26 years. He retired in 1991 as Senior Director of Sales. Ed is survived by his wife of 58 years, Betty Whitteneest of Durham; soneedward Parker Best, Jr. and wife, Elizabeth of Durham; Richard Harrisoneest of Wilmington, NC and wife, Shawn; Dr. Kenneth Whitteneest of Charlotte, NC; daughter Susaneest Stone and husband Judge Rick Stone of Eden, NC; ten grandchildren Haley and Carly Best; Kristeneest Farrell and husband Chris, aneerineest; Sarah , John, and wife Megan , Whitten, and Harrison Stone, Kendall and Alec Graves, and great-grandson, Julian Parker Stone. Ed will be remembered most for his unfailing optimism, his cheerful nature, and his wonderful smile. He will be missed terribly by those who love him, but life was truly good for Ed "it doesn't get any better than this" Best. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, neember 8, 2008 at 11:00 AM from Watts Street Baptist Church, 800 Watts St., Durham. Pastor Mel Williams and Diane Hill will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, neember 7, 2008 from 6 PM to 8 PM from Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 West Main St., Durham. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.