The State Annual Singing Convention Board of Directors has dedicated the 2017 souvenir program to their colleague, Rayvon Best, during their board meeting and cookout held on June 6th.
Best is the Manager of the Benson Sing and has been a member of the Board of Directors for three decades.
Present for the dedication were his wife, Becky, daughter, Meredith Blalock and husband Travis, and their three daughters, Mary Catherine, Elizabeth Abigail and Clara Eleanor. Rayvon and Becky’s daughter Catherine and her husband, Kevin, were unable to attend the presentation. Presenting the dedication page to Best is Danny Mack Holland, Singing Convention President.
Best has a love of Southern gospel music and has been actively involved with it since his teenage years when he started singing in the church choir and in a once-active gospel group called The Crusader Quartet. He continues to cultivate his love for gospel music by listening to it on the radio and in live concerts, as well as watching videos of some of his favorite music groups.
Best grew up in Benson and, in 1969, was a member of the last graduating class of Benson High School. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Campbell College, he became an educator. He taught in Cumberland and in Johnston County Public Schools before retiring in 2005 with 31 years’ experience.
During the years, he has served in Benson Baptist Church and in the Benson community. He currently sings in the chancel choir of Benson Baptist Church which he attends with his wife of 43 years, Becky Johnson Best. They have two grown daughters, Meredith Best Blalock and Catherine Best Bouknight. Meredith is married to Travis, and they have three daughters: Mary Catherine, Elizabeth Abigail, and Clara Eleanor. Catherine is married to Kevin, and they are proud owners of the Best’s only granddog, Pippin.
Best became a member of the Benson Sing’s Board of Directors in 1988, making this his 30th year of active involvement in the event. He enjoys all aspects of the Sing and is especially fond of the Friday night Singspiration. Through his service to the Sing, Rayvon has become friends with not only the directors, but also with many of the singers and sponsors. Those who know him know of his passion for the Benson Sing, his strong desire to achieve perfection in the event, and his true love for all those associated with it. They see his servant’s heart, recognize his efforts to glorify God through music, and proudly dedicate this book to him. Contributed photo
