Goldsboro, N.C. — Wayne County is mourning the loss of longtime community leader, businessman, and public servant Clement Munroe “Jack” Best, Jr., who died Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the age of 81.
A lifelong resident of Goldsboro, Best was widely known for his unwavering dedication to his family, his faith, and the betterment of Wayne County and the State of North Carolina. Friends and colleagues described him as a man of integrity, honesty, and passion who devoted his life to public service without seeking recognition.
Born August 9, 1944, in Goldsboro, Best was the son of the late Munroe and Mary Beery Best. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gee Best; sisters Mary Scott Best and Eleanor Best; and his in-laws, Hope and Jake Derby, along with Anna and Jay Derby.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ellen Best; his children Mary Hope Crocker and husband Blain of Goldsboro, Munroe Best and wife Angie of Goldsboro, and Eleanor Scott Davis and husband Hill of Raleigh. He is also survived by seven grandchildren — Mary Scott and Hannah Best, Jake and Hinton Crocker, and Avery, Julia, and Derby Davis — as well as his sister, Jane Best Grandbouche.
Best graduated from Staunton Military Academy and attended North Carolina State University before returning home to join the family business, W.H. Best and Sons. Under his leadership, the company evolved into Best Distributing Company, where he served as president. During his tenure, the company expanded from a single location to 15 branches across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Following his career at Best Distributing Company, Best served as president of Best Commercial Development and later founded M. Best and Sons, a real estate investment firm.
In addition to his business career, Best built a lasting legacy in public service. He served eight years as a Wayne County Commissioner and also served as a council member for the Village of Walnut Creek. He was a charter member and founder of the Highway 70 Corridor Commission, which advocated for improvements to U.S. Highway 70 — a roadway now designated as the future Interstate 42.
Best also played a key role in economic development, serving on the Wayne County Development Alliance Board since 2006. He also served on numerous boards including the North Carolina Global TransPark, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Wayne Country Day School, and the Wayne Community College Foundation, where he served for 24 years.
A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro, Best served as both an elder and deacon.
Throughout his life, Best received numerous honors recognizing his service, including the Boys and Girls Club Medallion Award, the Wayne Community College President’s Award, and the Wayne County Development Alliance Chairman’s Award. In 2023, he received one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented by the governor.
Despite his accomplishments, Best often shared a simple guiding philosophy: “Never let your success outrun your charity. Never let your pride outgrow your common sense. And above all: be honest.”
Family members say his greatest legacy remains his devotion to his family and faith, and the example he set through a life of purpose and service.
A memorial service celebrating Jack Best’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, located at 1101 East Ash Street in Goldsboro. A reception and visitation will follow in the church activity center. A private interment at Willow Dale Cemetery will take place prior to the service.
Community leaders say Best’s impact on Wayne County will be felt for generations.
