"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 William Bill Vann Best went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 11. He was born in Whiteville, North Carolina on February 23, 1923 to John Thomas and Harriet Harrell Best. Mr. Best was a graduate of New Hanover High School in Wilmington, NC and Cincinnati College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He served in the maritime service during World War II. In 1968 he and his family moved from Wilmington, NC to Ruston, LA to open a Kentucky Fried Chicken business. He later opened an additional Kentucky Fried Chicken business in Jonesboro, LA and a Baskin-Robbins store. He retired in 1994. He was widely known in Ruston community for his friendliness and his generosity. He was fondly referred to as ¨Ruston≠s Goodwill Ambassador. He was a past president of the Ruston Rotary Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of the Ruston Lincoln Visitor≠s Bureau. He was also a recipient of the Russ Award. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Ruston where he served as a deacon and a member of the sanctuary and senior choirs. He is survived by his wife, Mary Simonton Best, two daughters≥Dr. Mary Ann Best of Galveston, Texas and Jane Ellen Graham of Wylie, Texas and two granddaughters-Melissa Erin Graham and Melanie Elizabeth Graham of Wylie, Texas. He is also survived by his sister, Mrs. Cyril Yancey of Monroe, Louisiana, niece-Connie Haddox of Houston, Texas, and nephews-Jeffrey Best of Little Rock, Arkansas, Paul Best of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Tommy Best of Atlanta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Best of Little Rock, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Louisiana Baptist Children's Home Attn: Development Office PO Box 4196 Monroe, LA 71211 First Baptist Church of Ruston Vision for the Future Building Fund 200 Trenton Street Ruston, LA 71270