Obituary of SGM Leonza Best

Sergeant Major (Retired) Leonza Best, Jr., 74, of #6 Sandwedge Ct, Columbia SC passed away Wednesday, October 1st 2014 at 8:40 am in Gaffney, SC surrounded by his loving son and family. SGM Best was born August 31, 1940 in Mt. Olive NC to the late Katie M. Whitfield Best and Leonza Best, Sr. He graduated high school from Wayne County, NC. He received his BS in Military Science in Columbia, SC. A US Army veteran having served his country for 27 years, retired civil service with the National Guard May 1986. SGM Best received the National Defense Service Medal of Honor, Meritorious Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge/Marksman Badge w/M16 Rifle Bar /Army of Occupation Medal / (Berlin) /Bronze Star Medal, Army Service Award, Overseas Service Award and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Extension of service was at the request and for the convenience of the Government to assist in Vietnam. He received the Sliver Service Star and 2 Bronze Service Stars, NCO Professional Development and Cross of Gallantry w Palm. After his active military career ended he worked at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC as an ROTC instructor for many years. He was well known in the community and was a humanitarian and coach for at Risk Youth. He also spent time at schools in Cherokee, Richland and Spartanburg County educating youth on life values, morals, goals and promoting Military Science. He loved the military, to fish, travel, and loved the laughter he shared with his Military Brothers, Charles Price, Stanley Ross, and George Offutt during their daily visits while drinking his Pepsi. SGM Best worked at the Post Office in Columbia. He was Owner and Operator of Best Baggage and Delivery Service in Columbia and at the time of his death he was Owner of L &L Vending Machines in Columbia. He was a long time member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Mt. Olive NC. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lou Whitfield and Katie L. McDonald and three brothers, Johnny Sellars, Walter L. Best and William Henry Best. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted son Ron Best(Betty) of Gaffney, SC; a daughter, Kim Morris (Roland) of Syracuse, NY; he was an inspiration to his seven grandchildren that he loved dearly; granddaughters, Tempesette M. Huston, Boiling Springs, SC, Tamara C. Best, Charlotte, NC, Courtney Tucker and Rolanda Morris of Syracuse, NY; grandsons, Brandon Byers, Cowpens, SC, Eric Waker, Jr. of Syracuse, NY and Ronnie Best II of Winthrop University, Rock Hill SC; a special friend and ex-wife, Shirley A. Best of Columbia; his mother-in-law, Gertrude Martin of Greensboro, NC; two brother in laws, James Brock (Sudie) and Leon Shaw both of Greensboro, NC; five sister-in-laws, Geraldine K. Best of Mt. Olive, NC; Teresa Brock, Betty B. Coe, Cora M Shaw and Cornelia M. Powells, all of Greensboro, NC; reared in the home as a sister, Francis of Goldsboro, NC; God daughters, Jessica (Terrence) Hughley of Spartanburg, SC and Melissa Offutt of Columbia, SC; Four great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. A visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia SC 29209. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 8th at 2:00 pm at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. A repast will be held immediately after the services at the home #6 Sandwedge Ct, Columbia SC 29203. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.