William "Bill" Samuel Best

William "Bill" Samuel Best, 88, of Gastonia, passed away April 27, 2017 at home.

He was born February 3, 1929, a native of Gaston County to the late Gerard E. and Lola F. Best.

William graduated from Gastonia High School and then from Lenoir Rhyne College.  He served in the US Army in the Military Crime Lab.  He worked for the NC State Bureau of Investigation in the crime lab.  He left the SBI to help start the Charlotte police crime lab, where he retired from, then opened a private practice crime lab.  He retired again after more than 20 years.  He was a life-long member of Crowders Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon, elder, Sunday school teacher and treasurer.

He is survived by his wife Catherine M. Best; sons Barry R. and wife Kristy Best, and granddaughter Emily Best of Hometown, WV; Jerry E. and wife Gretchen C. Best and grandchildren Nicole and Samuel Best of Gastonia; sister Anne B. and husband Gene Hanna of Belmont and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant sister Katheryn Jane Best.

Funeral services with military honors by the United States Army, will be held 4 pm Sunday at Crowders Creek ARP Church and burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be at 6 – 8 pm Saturday at Greene Funeral Service – South Chapel – 1503 S. York Rd., Gastonia.

Memorials can be made to Crowders Creek ARP Church Endowed Cemetery Fund, 207 Crowders Creek Road Gastonia, NC 28054 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Lincoln County 900 Dontia Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092.

Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.