William Jasper Best

“There are things we don’t want to happen but have to accept, people we can’t live without but have to let go”.

It is with heavy heart that the family of William Jasper Best shares the news of his passing. Jasper passed away peacefully on February 8, 2017 at his home in Ashford AL. Born in Dothan on December 21, 1937, Jasper lived his life in the Ashford community and graduated from Ashford High School in 1957. A member of the First United Methodist Church, he was an avid golfer, fisherman, and Alabama football fan. His love of Alabama football began when he was recruited by the Crimson Tide in 1957, surviving Bear Bryant’s first, infamous “Turnaround” year. Jasper was a man of integrity who would and could do anything for family and friends. He was a wonderful cook and was known to make a mean Brunswick stew, which he did for years to fundraise for the Ashford Lion’s & Quarterback Clubs, of which he was a member and past president, respectfully. He also became known as the “Glencoe Corndog King” by his daughter’s friends where he made homemade corndogs at their annual neighborhood Halloween party for many years.

Jasper retired from Georgia Pacific Corporation, formerly Great Northern Nekoosa, in 1994 after 28 years in the papermaking industry. He then worked with Scapa Press Fabrics as a Consultant for several years before retiring completely.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 55 years, Judy; his son Bill and his wife Mary Virginia of Tuscaloosa AL; his daughter Betsy Blakely and her husband Bob of Mountain Brook AL; 6 grandchildren Will Best, Trace, Sarabeth & Emma Blakely and Anderson & Walker Green; a sister, Rena Dell Knight of Gordon AL; a sister-in-law, Sara Jones Miller and her husband James of Iron City GA; cousins Laura Jo Darnell & Gayle Hart of Dothan AL; a brother in law, Richard Lowry of Destin FL; nieces Lara Lowry Rudolph of Crestview FL and Leigh Lowry of Washington DC, Bryanna Hardy of Iron City GA; Wanda Witter of Gordon AL, and nephews George & Sammy Lewis. Jasper was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Pauline Best, his grandparents S.O. & Posey Croom; his sister Rita Nell Best; his mother in law Ruth Jones and sister in law Mary Henri Lowry.

The family is forever grateful for the love and support provided by friends, neighbors, and caregivers during Jasper’s extended illness, especially Earl Johnson, Teretha Fryer, Patsey Smith, the Loop of Watermark Church, and Angela, Teresa and Michael of Alacare.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 2 pm in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Dupree, Jeff Massey, Brook Meadows, Joey Sheffield, Andy Shirley, and Troy Smith. The family will receive friends before the memorial service from 1-2 pm at the funeral home.

Known by many friends as “Straw”, Jasper’s most cherished nickname was “Pop”, given to him by his grandchildren. He will be incredibly missed.