Gary Max Best, 85, of Hermitage, died Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. He was born Sunday, December 24, 1939 in Ingalls, a son of the late Andrew W. Best and Lillie Mae Morgan Best.
Gary Max was retired from Potlatch Lumber Company, Warren and Georgia Pacific in Crossett. He was a devoted thirty-second degree Free and Accepted Mason, serving in the Hermitage Lodge. Attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, he graduated Hermitage Public Schools and The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
Gary was an avid outdoorsman; he truly enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had a wealth of knowledge of the outdoors, spending time on the river with his family was very important to Gary Max.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sue Roberts Best, brothers Joe Best, Ray Best, John Best and Kenneth Best.
Surviving is his son, Andrew Best (Ronda) of Hermitage, daughter Kay Best Murphy (Thomas) of Fayetteville. Six grandchildren; Andrew Best Jr., Stephen Best, Kristin Best, Suzanne Murphy, Elise Murphy and Radiance Orrin.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Frazer’s Chapel with Rev. Wayman Mann officiating. Burial was in Union Hill Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home.
Memorials Union Hill Cemetery C/O Gwen Savage 298 Dutch Hunter Road, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.
