William T. “Bill” Best Sr.

Bill was born Sept. 16, 1948, in Westfield, N.Y., the son of the late Paul Best and Helen (Houser) Mekus.

He had attended Ripley Central School and married the love of his life, Linda Richardson and were married for 53 years.

Bill had been employed by the NYS DOT from 1974-98 retiring after 23years. Following his retirement, he and his wife relocated to Port Orange, Fla., where he worked for Walmart there from 1998 until 2006. When time permitted, he had worked for Service with a Smell.

Bill’s memberships included Life member of the VVA Chapter 865 of Jamestown N.Y., life member of the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Chautauqua County Fireman’s Fraternity and faithful parishioner of the Church of Nazarene-Brocton N.Y., and Daytona Beach Drive-In Christian Church in Daytona Beach, Fla.

His hobbies were wood working, antique car shows with his 1979 Chevy Malibu, swap meets, motorcycle riding, flea markets, camping and golfing, but most of all, Bill loved spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Linda Best of Jamestown N.Y.; daughters: Bonnie (Rick) Frye of Sherman N.Y., Raelene Smith of Jamestown N.Y., and Tina (Randy Burkhouse) Best of Jamestown, N.Y.; his sons: William (Wendy) Best,Jr. of Jamestown, N.Y., and Matthew Best of Mayville, N.Y., 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and five great- great-grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are his five sisters: Judy (Tom) Gibbs of Mayville, N.Y., Pauletta (Claude) Abbey of Westfield, N.Y., Cindy (Randy) Raynor of Deltona, Fla., Sue (Vern) Post, Sr., of Mayville, N.Y.,, and Trudy (Mike) Gambino, of Mayville, N.Y.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister, Sally Smith; stepfathers: Milton “Butch” Mekus and Bill “Smitty” Smith; and numerous other family members.

Family and friends may call at the MORSE FUN-ERAL HOME, 51 Highland Ave., Brocton, N.Y. on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, from 6-8 p.m., and again on Tuesday from noon until 1 p.m., when funeral services will be held there with the Rev. Mark Teets of the Community Bible Church of Mayville, N.Y., officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Stockton, N.Y.

Memorial contributions in honor of Bill can be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of WNY c/o: Chautauqua Branch, 650 Airborne Parkway, Cheektowaga, NY 14225.

Bill’s family would like to thank the VNA of WNY of Jamestown, Brooks Memorial Hospital especially Dr. Covey and Dr. Redeye.

To send Bill’s family a message of sympathy or share a story, log on to; www.themorsefuneral home.com