October 7, 1947 – August 14, 2023
Benjamin Hobdy Best II made his transition from this world on Monday, August 14, at his home in Pearland, Texas. He died of natural causes at the age of 75. Born on October 7, 1947, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, he was the only child of the late Benjamin Hobdy Best and Margie Joyce Emmit Best. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his best canine friend, Elvis. For many years, Ben was an active member of St. Thomas of Canterbury Episcopal Church where he often served as organist. Ben attended Pascagoula High School, graduating in 1965. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969 and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas in 1973 and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1974.
Ben served his country in the army as a 1st Lieutenant and saw duty in Vietnam from 1969-1971 and was honorably discharged in 1971. He was a long-standing member of the Sons of the Confederacy.
Ben moved to Pearland in 1974 where he established his private law practice in 1980. Prior to his practice, Ben worked for Texas International Airlines at Hobby Airport and later for the Houston Chamber of Commerce.
Ben is survived by cousins Beth G. Barnes of Terry, MS; Victoria Meyer of Annapolis, MD; Norman Philips of Keller, TX; Nadine Hale of Paris, KY; Audrey Cunningham of Indianapolis, IN; and "Buddy" his loving canine companion. He leaves behind many long-time special friends and associates, and many unforgettable and lasting memories.
Graveside services will be held at 2pm Friday, August 25, 2023, at Machpelah Cemetery in Pascagoula, MS and will be buried alongside his parents with the Rev. Matt Williams officiating. Arrangements have been made through Greg Jeter of Jeter Funeral Home in Friendswood, TX.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 10:30 A.M. at St Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Church, 14007 S. Freeway, Houston, Texas 77047 (713) 434-1117 with The Rev. Dr. James T. Payne officiating. A reception will follow.
Ben's wishes would be to support the City of Pearland Animal Services and Adoption Center in Pearland, TX.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com
8 thoughts on “Benjamin Hobdy Best, II”
Such a vibrant personality. Will miss you cousin.
You will truly be missed. Thanks for the great memories!
One a kind great memories!
Hired Ben right out of law school to work with me in Labor Relations at Texas International Airlines. Spent a number of years working with him and shared some great times. Was smart, committed, and fun to be around. Was my friend.
Met Ben from a professional stand point in 1980. he had air planes in his office then, elephants would slowly but surly evolve. We seamed to hit it off pretty good and a relationship was born. his humor was one of the things I appreciated about him as I was a little over the top myself. he was a great friend , honest and good at his trade. You can't really ask for more than that. Jerry
I’ve known Ben since the 80’s. He helped me get started in business and kept me legal. I’ve considered Ben a friend ever since. He made a positive difference in my life. He was a good man and great American.
Ben was my colleague and friend. Several years ago I made him a quilt of valor to thank him for his military service and presented it to him at a local bar meeting. I was happy to learn that he was also a lover of dogs.
I worked for Ben at my very first job at the Houston Chamber of Commerce. He and I exchanged Christmas cards every year for the last 40 years. I did get together with him back in 2021 to just catch up. He was a hoot and I loved him for his very politically incorrect views, which he sometimes expressed a little too loudly in public. See you on the other side, friend.