Bobby Ray Best

Bobby Ray Best, age 82, of the Ballplay Community, passed away Thursday, November 20, 2025. He was a member of Tellico Baptist Church and a deacon for over 50 years. He retired from Gemtron and was a lifelong farmer. He loved the outdoors – farming, hunting, horseback riding, and camping. Most of all, he loved his family, church, and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Howard Best and Ruby Kate Best; sisters, Geraldine Best, Pauline Hensley, and Catherine (Shirley) Selvidge; and brother Glen Best. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Charlotte J. Best; daughters and sons-in-law, Mike and Vickie Sloan, and Randall and Sandi West; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and April Best; grandchildren, Jamey Best, John Best, Mark W. Best, Emily Sloan and husband Garrett Stone, Caleb Sloan, Bobby West, and Lyndsey West; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral 2:00 P.M. Sunday, Tellico Baptist Church, Rev. Chris Crowder and Rev. Jimmy Jackson officiating. Interment to follow service at Tellico Baptist Cemetery. Family will receive friends 5-7:00 P.M. Saturday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.