Ralph Homer Best

Ralph H. Best “Pops” aka “Rotten Ralph” - 93, joined his beloved wife, Marie E. (Woehlk) Best at the Pearly Gates on December 31st, 2021. He was born and raised in Knox, PA. He then joined the Air Force where he spent 22 years until he retired in Tampa, FL. He loved all things having to do with the railroad, flying, space and the Air Force. He loved watching NCIS and telling wildly embellished stories. He spent years assisting Boy Scouts and traveling across the country to visit loved ones. He spent his last years with his granddaughter, Shannon Gutierrez and her large extended family, including His four great-granddaughters.

He was the sweetest, kindest man who made friends wherever he went and loved everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

He is survived by living children Stanley Best of Missouri, Patty Buchanan (Tommy) of Tampa, and Sandra Schneider (Mike) of Wisconsin, and Jennie Holt of Ohio; 4 grandchildren- Shannon Gutierrez (Santos) of Indiana, David Schneider of Wisconsin, Steven Schneider (Tiffany) of Florida, Julie Schneider (Chris Keller) of Wisconsin and 5 great-grandchildren - Olivia, Maribel, Carina, Ariana Gutierrez of Indiana and Nikolas Schneider of Florida. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia (Best) Ash and his beloved wife, Marie.

The national cemetery is strict on flowers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society, your local council for aging or a Veterans organization.

Visitation to be held at Hillsboro Memorial In Brandon on Thursday, January 20 from 3pm-5pm

Graveside at Florida National Cemetery on Friday, January 21 at 1:30pm

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the BEST family.