Wilbur Lee Best, Jr.

October 30, 1948 - October 4, 2021
Wilbur Lee Best, Jr.

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Wilbur Lee (Bill) Best, Jr., age 72 of Wilmington, NC, sadly passed away at New Hanover Regional Medical Center on October 4, 2021.

Bill was born on October 30, 1948 in Wilmington, NC and is survived by his children Wilbur Lee (Billy) Best, III. and daughter Patricia Lynn Hite, his grandchildren Christopher A. and Cameron A. Hite and son-in-law Charles Hite III, brother-in-law Danny Anderson, (son) William Anderson, six aunts and three uncles, and his best friend Anne (Jane) Britt.

Wilbur Lee (Bill) Best, Jr. was preceded in death by the late Wilbur Lee (Snapper) Best, Sr. (February 15th, 1995), Pansy Mildred Best (May 16th, 1966), and his sister Sue Anderson (October 10th, 2018).

Bill’s life was adventurous. He loved to be outdoors hunting and fishing. His favorite thing to do was to take his truck and find the biggest mud hole he could. He would always say with a smile on his face, “I’ll make it through there”; he would never back down from a challenge. He also had a love for gardening and photography.

He held many jobs during his life to include: working for the City of Wilmington as a police officer, CP&L, Dupont, JCPenney, Greenfield Food Store, and he owned a cleaning business called Best Janitorial Service. The last job Bill held was working for the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office in the kitchen, supervising inmates. There he met his best friend Mrs. Jane Britt, who ran the kitchen.

Bill’s love for life was infectious, he never knew a stranger and made forever friends wherever he went. He always left a smile on the hearts of everyone he met.

He loved his grandchildren dearly. Christopher was his “Butterbean” and Cameron was his “Short-Stuff”. Bill’s grandchildren were his everything. He would go to the ends of the earth for those two. He helped mold them into who they are today. He always enjoyed spending as much time with them as he could, whether it was hunting, fishing, or just visiting. Bill’s children will always cherish the life lessons and memories he taught and gave them.

Dad until we meet again, Billy and I love you!

There is a Memorial Service planned for Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Epworth United Methodist Church at 408 Willard Street Wilmington, NC 28401 with Rev. Randy Wagner officiating. There will be a visitation from 11am-1pm, followed by a service. There will be a gathering of friends and family immediately to follow the service.

Please leave memories and condolences with Wilbur’s family by clicking the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • October 08, 2021
    Anne Tatum (Jane) Britt says:
    I love you and miss you my sweet friend.

  • October 08, 2021
    MICHAEL PETERSON says:
    I am sorry to hear about the passing of one my old friends. I remember his smile his wit and laugh from living in the same neighborhood, and working together many years ago. Always may me laugh. Our Prayers go out to his Family, we pray for peace and comfort for them in this trying time.

  • October 08, 2021
    Michell Heaton lit a candle:
    Lit since October 8, 2021 at 10:58:11 PM

  • October 09, 2021
    Debora Cottle says:
    I’ve always counted you as a brother. Hug and kiss Grandpa and Snapper for me.

  • October 09, 2021
    Charles & Jeanette Hite, Jr. says:
    We are sorry to hear of Bill's passing. We will remember him as good man with a kind and gentle spirit. Our condolences to the family. Charles and Jeanette Hite, Jr.