April 21, 2026, 81, Goldsboro – Clement Munroe “Jack” Best, Jr. died on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026. He was a community leader who was fiercely committed to his family, friends and the place he proudly called home for all of his 81 years. Those who knew Jack recognized him as a man of great integrity, honesty and passion. He faithfully served his community, always giving back, never doing so to seek personal gain or recognition. He was a true public servant. In all the roles he inhabited, his passion remained clear and focused: the betterment of the State of North Carolina and the lives of its people.
Born in Goldsboro, NC on August 9th, 1944, Jack was the son of the late Munroe and Mary Beery Best. He is preceded in death by his brother, Gee Best, and two sisters, Mary Scott Best and Eleanor Best; his beloved mother- and father-in-law, Hope and Jake Derby; and his sister- and brother-in-law, Anna and Jay Derby.
He leaves behind an immensely grateful family: Ellen, his wife of 57 years; his three children and their spouses, Mary Hope and Blain Crocker, Munroe and Angie Best, all of Goldsboro; and Eleanor Scott and Hill Davis of Raleigh. Papa Jack was the proud grandfather, sideline spectator, dock master and Oreo supplier to his seven grandchildren, Mary Scott and Hannah Best, Jake and Hinton Crocker and Avery, Julia and Derby Davis. He was a loving big brother to his sister, Jane Best Grandbouche.
Jack graduated from Staunton Military Academy. He attended North Carolina State University before returning home to work for his family’s business, W.H. Best and Sons. The company later became Best Distributing Company, which Jack served as President. Alongside his family, Jack grew the company from a single location to fifteen branches in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Jack leaves a legacy of unrivaled work ethic and instilled in his children that the key to success in any business is building genuine relationships. He was a brilliant businessman who built a career that was inspiring enough for his own son to follow in his footsteps.
Following his time at Best Distributing Company, Jack served as president of Best Commercial Development. He then founded M. Best and Sons, a real estate investment firm.
Beyond his professional career, Jack established a career of public service. He served as a Wayne County Commissioner and council member for the Village of Walnut Creek. Jack was a charter member of the Highway 70 Corridor Commission, a group dedicated to the development of Highway 70 and its inclusion in the interstate highway system. Thanks to the work of the commission, Highway 70 has now been designated as the future Interstate 42.
Jack was respected for his experience, knowledge and willingness to speak his mind. Because of this, he was honored to sit on many boards including: the North Carolina Global Transpark, Wayne Memorial Hospital, Wayne Country Day School and the Foundation of Wayne Community College. Jack was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and a deacon.
He was recognized with 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, the governor bestowed Jack with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Despite all that he accomplished he remained steadfast in his determination to “Never let your success outrun your charity. Never let your pride outgrow your common sense. And above all: be honest.”
The breadth and depth of his dedication to his community is eclipsed only by his dedication to his faith and his family. He provided his family with not only unconditional love and support but also an example of what it means to live a life of purpose. The impact of Jack Best’s full and purposeful life will be felt for generations to come.
A memorial service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 24th, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Goldsboro (1101 East Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC, 27530). A reception and time of visitation will follow the service in the activity center. The private interment will be held in Willow Dale Cemetery prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or to the charity of one’s choice.
