MECHANICSVILLE, Maryland -- Richard Lynn Best, 57, formerly of McCook, Nebraska, died on Aug. 11, 2010, at St. Francis Hospital in Charleston, SC while vacationing.

Born on Aug. 18, 1952 in Ainsworth, Nebraska, he was the son of the late Merrill Eddie Best, Jr. and the late Darlene Blume Best.

Rich spent his early childhood helping his mom and dad with their floral business. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served for 10 years on a nuclear submarine.

After leaving the Navy he became a Nuclear Operations Instructor for PSE&G in New Jersey. He spent several years as a Nuclear Operations Instructor Contractor where he and the family lived in South Carolina and Maryland.

After settling in Maryland, Rich and his wife became active with the Arby's corporation. Currently, Rich was a Senior Operations Instructor at Constellation Energy. Rich was a charismatic man who was loved by many. He was the heart of the family bringing friends and neighbors together over spectacular food. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, a handyman, and a jack of all trades.

Survived by his wife, Sara Helen Dodd Best, children, Stacey M. Moreland, Jessica L. Best, and Kevin M. Best, siblings, Sharon Conroy, Carol Best, Jimmy Best, Bryon Best, Ronald Best, and Gregory Best, grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kourtney, and Tyler, and many other relatives and friends.

Predeceased by his beloved in-laws, Eugene and Sarah Dodd.

A Life Celebration will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, Maryland, where services will be held at 7 p.m. Interment will be private.

His family requests that in lieu of flowers and gifts that donations be made in Rich's memory to the American Heart Association.

Please view condolences at www.brinsfieldecholsfuneral.com