John Ray Best ’68
John Ray Best ’68 of Charleston, Illinois, passed away on June 20, 2023, surrounded by his family. John was born on January 9, 1946, in Mattoon, Illinois. He excelled at Charleston High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, class salutatorian, and captain of the football team. He matriculated at Dartmouth and graduated from Eastern Illinois University, then went on to pursue the pastor’s course of study at Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. In addition to serving as pastor for the Charleston Bible Church for more than 18 years, he served several other congregations as pastor for a total of 44 years. John married Marian Dee Perkins, who survives him, in June 1969. He is also survived by children Jim, Nate, and Joanna and eight grandchildren. John was eulogized as a faithful servant of God and a man devoted to his family. A memorial service honoring his life was held at the Charleston Bible Church on July 8, 2023.
