Harold J Best's Obituary
Harold John Best, Sr., 97, of Ft. Myers passed away Sunday evening, January 6th. He was born in Huntington, IN and grew up in the Lafayette area. He served in WWII, in the 253rd Armored Field Artillery ?Çô Third Army under General Patton. Landing on the beaches of Normandy France, he participated in the Battle of the Bulge. His unit was among the first to arrive in the relief of Bastogne and were awarded the Bronze Star for their actions throughout the campaign. Upon returning home, he traveled to West Virginia to pay his respects to the family of a fallen comrade (Pete McKinney) who had been killed at Normandy. While there he met his beloved wife Lyda ?Ç£Tommie?Ç¥ McKinney. On November 4, 1946 (6 days later) he and Tommie were wed. They returned to the Lafayette area where Harold was an electrical contractor for many years while fathering three sons. In 1969 they came to Ft. Myers and he continued his electrical career as a member of IBEW Local #915 until his retirement in 1979 due to an injury. He volunteered for another 12 years as an Elementary School aide and as an income tax preparer for the elderly. He and Tommie were happily married for over 65 yrs and she preceded him in death in May 2012. Harold will be remembered as a loving Husband, Father, Grand-Father, and Great Grand-Father. He leaves behind his 3 sons: Harold Jr. (Nickie) ?Çô Ft. Myers, T. Jerry (Judy)-Bloomington, IN; James (Kim) ?Çô Ft. Myers. 9 Grandchildren: Tonia, Harold III, Ryan (April), Aaron, Jerrod (Amanda), Janelle, Stephen (Ashley), Laura, Devan, and 5 great-grandchildren. A Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM Friday January 11 at Ft. Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida, 33907. The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 PM and the interment will commence immediately afterwards at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Grace Bible Church, PO Box 51427, Ft. Myers 33994.
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