Charles H. Best Sr.

Charles Henry Best, Sr., of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and formerly of Woodville and McComb, Mississippi, passed from his earthly life into God’s heavenly kingdom on January 16, 2026 at St. Tammany Hospital in Covington, LA. He was the only child of Edgar and Rebecca Ott Best, born January 30, 1941 on the family farm in Woodville, MS.

Charles cherished his humble roots on the multi-generational Best farm in the rolling hills of Wilkinson County. He recalled fishing, playing “sock ball” with his childhood friend, Pat Cavin, hanging out with with his friend Charles ‘Tapper’ Sessions, riding on a horse‑pulled cotton wagon to the gin on Saturdays, and taking the Greyhound bus as a child to visit his mother’s family in Osyka, MS. He also enjoyed spending time with his cousins. Charles played Little League baseball, junior‑high and high‑school basketball, and football in Woodville. His first job was as a lifeguard at the community pool.

After graduating from Woodville High School, he attended Hinds Junior College, and then earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He became a licensed pharmacist in Mississippi and Louisiana. His career began in Jackson, MS, followed by opening a drugstore in Osyka, MS. He later purchased Martens Drug Store on the Woodville town square, selling it to Fred’s in 1997. He worked at Fred’s until his retirement in 2016, completing a pharmacy career spanning more than fifty years.

An avid Ole Miss fan, Charles followed SEC and NFL teams for decades, sharing statistics and stories with anyone who would listen. He attended the first New Orleans Saints game at Tulane Stadium in 1967 and remained a lifelong supporter.

Charles’ laid‑back nature and inquisitive intellect meant he never met a stranger. He possessed a keen sense of humor, a robust laugh, and was a natural storyteller. He admired animals, especially horses, which he raised on his farms in Woodville and Smithdale, MS, and he enjoyed the thrill of horse racing. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, and taking many adventures in their motorhome.

A faithful Baptist, Charles was a lifelong member of the church. He had been part of Woodville Baptist Church, Osyka Baptist Church, and at the time of his death, First Baptist Church in McComb. He also attended Episcopal churches in Woodville and McComb.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Deborah Walker Best, and their children: Charles Henry Best II (Gretchen) of Madison, MS; Edgar Scott Best of Talladega, AL; Suzanne Best Olive (Ray) of Woodville, MS; April  Downs (Robert) of Zachary, LA; and Christine Anderson (Jimmy) of Covington, LA. Grandchildren include Madelyn Pooley (Bob) of Madison, MS; Margaret Krouse (Brooks) of Oxford, MS; Charles Best III (Erin) of Jackson, MS; Kate Best of Scottsville, VA; Katherine Steinart (Eric) of Gulf Shores, AL; Greyson Best of Chattanooga, TN; Dylan Best (Gabbi) of Covington, LA; Sutton Olive (Karlie) of Woodville, MS; Rebecca Radley (Tyler) of Walker, LA; Sarah Johnson (Gil) of Bloomfield, NJ; Natalie Stevens (Stormy) of Section, AL, Austin Miller of Geismer, LA; Alexandra Flickinger (Matt) of Harker Heights, TX; Brianna Downs of Zachary, LA; Harmon and Abigail Downs of Baton Rouge, LA., Ethan Anderson of Richland, MS; and Austin and Collin Armstrong of Madison, MS. He also leaves behind fourteen great‑grandchildren and his beloved fur baby, Rouxbie Grace.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Philip Jacob Best.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, McComb, MS; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; or the University of Mississippi Pharmacy Research Department.

Pallbearers are: Sutton Olive, Charles Henry Best III, Greyson Best, Dylan Best, Austin Miller, and Tyler Radley.

Honorary Pallbearers are:

Pat Cavin, Charles Sessions, Johnny Sassone, Wayne Wells, Charles H. Best, Jr., Edgar Scott Best, Ray Olive, Jimmy Anderson, Robert Downs, Bob Pooley, Brooks Krouse, Eric Steinart, and Harmon Downs.

Funeral services for Mr. Best will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, La, on January 30, 2026, at 1:00 pm, on his 85th birthday. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Woody Rimes will officiate.