Longtime business man and Thayer Graduate Lloyd Best passed from this life to his heavenly home just this past weekend. 81-year-old Lloyd Best owned and operated the Best Shoe store and The Shoe Rack in downtown Thayer for many, many years. Many who still own shoes purchased at Best Shoe. Lloyd and his wife Katherine married shortly after Lloyd graduated from Thayer High School in 1959. Lloyd entered into service with the U. S. Navy shortly after graduation, then returned to his home town who he loved dearly in 1968 to open Best Shoe Store, then a few years later opened the Shoe Rack just a few doors down the street. Some may remember he opened a store in Salem, Ar. for few years as well.
Lloyd Best loved his community. In addition to being a great community leader, he was avid Bobcat Fan having played on some of those great football teams in Thayer back in 50’s. We still talk about those days in the 50’s. Lloyd longed to make Thayer a better community having served as President of the Thayer School Board and the Thayer Chamber. Always worked to make downtown better and always made sure there was a Santa a Christmas time and Christmas music playing on the streets. As a matter of fact, he bought a Santa suit and if I were guessing man, he wore it a time or two himself. Lloyd was proud of his town, his school and his community. What he loved most of all was working outside. How many of use saw Lloyd riding that John Deere while passing his home on Hwy W. His yard was always mowed and the ditches too. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours in the turkey woods with a lot of stories to follow. Some of them were even true. He also loved to bowl. I hear he was a pretty good bowler.
Lloyd Best liked to help people who needed help. He volunteered many hours down at First Baptist in Thayer, cutting shrubs and burning leaves. He gave of himself.
Lloyd leaves this earth and proud of his family. Wife Katherine, two daughters, 2 grand kids, and 6 great grand kids.
A Memorial Celebration of Life service is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up an account at Southern Bank called “Best Foot Forward” A charity for area students that need shoes. You may donate at the bank or to any family member.
One thing I will miss is that infectious laugh of Lloyd Best. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Bob Eckman