Gary Ray Best

Gary Ray Best, 59, of Abilene, Texas, passed away late Saturday, January 8, 2011, at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene. His Creator, his family, his cancer specialists in Abilene and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and many friends tended to him during his almost two-year battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 13th, at Hillcrest Church of Christ with Rusty McLen and John Barton officiating. Burial will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, 5701 Highway 277 South in Abilene. Arrangements are by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 4-6 p.m. Gary was born July 7, 1951, in Abilene to Carol and Martina Best. He graduated from Noodle-Horn High School. Gary married Diane Joyce Moore on December 5, 1980, at Minter Lane Church of Christ in Abilene. He worked as a mechanic on trucks and cars for a number of years, then as a mechanic and custodian at Abilene Farm Supply for 26 years, and later worked as a custodian for AZ's Maintenance. He was a member of Hillcrest Church of Christ for 32 years. Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Paul; his grandparents; his uncle, V. E. (Bill) Best; and his uncle, Charlie Pat Denny. He is survived by his wife, Diane, of Abilene; his parents, Carol and Martina Best of Noodle; his brothers, Tommy Best and wife, Phyllis, of Jacksboro, Texas; and Steven Best and wife, Becky, of Noodle, Texas; his aunt, Nena Grennon, of Big Springs, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Toler Brannon, Ronny Crumpler, Jerry Hayes, Larry Knight, Bruce Massey, and Jackie Qualls. Memorials may be sent to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79601; Zambia Mission Fund, 3103 East Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013; or Abilene Christian University, ACU Box 29132, Abilene, TX 79699. The family of Gary Best wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Hirsch, the nurses at Hendrick Hospital, Hendrick Hospice, and the many friends and relatives who assisted with his care. Gary will be greatly missed by his family and friends.