Johnnie Earl Best

Johnnie Earl Best, 74, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at his home in Goldsboro, NC, surrounded by the love of his family. Johnnie was born in Wayne County on March 19, 1951 to the late Ralph Edward Best and Agnes Westbrook Best. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his identical twin brother, Jimmie Edward Best, (Barbara).
In 1969, Johnnie and his twin brother enlisted in the United States Air Force together. There they proudly served their country during the Vietnam War. During the war, Johnnie was stationed in Okinawa Japan for a year and a half before marrying Lee Ann Thornton in December of 1971. After being married for only six months, Johnnie was shipped back overseas and stationed in Thailand for several additional tours.
No stranger to hard work, Johnnie spent over thirty-two years with Mills Logging Company where he was a skilled heavy equipment operator before joining the staff at WAGES of Goldsboro. Before his retirement, he worked for eleven years with Wayne County Landfill as a heavy equipment operator.
Johnnie had a passion for deep sea and freshwater fishing. In more recent years, you could find him spending time at his happy place, Bogue Inlet, fishing alongside his wife and close friends Glen and Debra Britt. He loved great music such as Motown, Beach, Rock and Roll, and the Blues and there was not a sandy beach he did not enjoy sunbathing on!
Family was at the heart of everything Johnnie did, and the moments spent with them were what he cherished most. His faith was his foundation, and he and his family were members of Eureka Christian Church.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Johnnie's life at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. Interment, with military honors, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 in Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Johnnie is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Lee Ann Thornton Best; sons, Johnnie Brian Best (Josie), Kevin Earl Best (Michele), grandchildren, Lainey Brookes Best and Makinley Reece Best; brothers, Danny Best (Vickie), and Mike Best; and sister, Pat Best Gonsalves (Leo), and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Johnnie's memory to Cures for the Colors, SMOC, 203 Cox Blvd., Goldsboro, NC 27534, or to Gentiva Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534.