L. Graham Best, Jr.
L. Graham Best, Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on August 31, 2026, in Cary, NC, at the age of 88. He lived a full and eventful life — as an athlete, executive, musician, and foodie — and brought optimism and resolve to everything he did.
Graham was born in Warren, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Larchmont, New York, the oldest of three children born to Skip and Charlotte Best. His siblings were his sister, Martha, and his brother, David.
At Mamaroneck High School, Graham was a standout athlete in basketball and football. He never tired of telling the story of the night he played basketball against a young Wilt Chamberlain — a tale that, by all accounts, improved with age. He was also a gifted musician with a beautiful singing voice and a natural feel for instruments, especially the drums. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout as well, an early sign of the commitment and resolve that would carry him through the rest of his life.
At Colgate University, Graham sang with the Colgate Thirteen and appeared on recordings with the group, a source of lasting pride.
In 1960, Graham married Gretchen Squires, the love of his life. Even in his final days, he kept a photo of her at his bedside and repeatedly remarked how beautiful she was. Gretchen predeceased him, and by all accounts, his love and adoration for her never faded.
Graham built a career in sales and marketing that took him around the world, opening new markets across continents and countries — a job that suited a man of considerable drive and boldness, and one who never met a stranger. That career carried the family from Hinsdale, Illinois, to Wyckoff, New Jersey, and eventually to Cary, North Carolina, where he and Gretchen put down roots for good. Through it all, he remained, at heart, an entrepreneur — sharp and forward-thinking, always considering the next big idea, the next innovation, or a better way of doing things. He was also a gifted handyman, ready to fix or build whatever needed doing.
Graham and Gretchen raised four children: Todd (Buffalo, NY), Laurie (Craftsbury, VT), Jim (Brooklyn, NY), and Heather (Greensboro, NC). He took enormous pride in all of them, and in the 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who followed — a legacy he talked about often and proudly.
He attended every event his kids took part in, from choral performances to school plays to athletic contests, and coached their youth baseball and basketball teams. He was proud of their accomplishments. He had been Head Lifeguard at Bonnie Briar Country Club in his younger years, loved swimming and diving, and made sure that every one of his kids learned to swim well. Summers meant time on the water at Lake Raponda in Wilmington, Vermont, where the whole family gathered.
Graham was known for his skills at the grill, often paired with a good red wine. He loved cars — few things made him prouder than the Datsun 260Z 2+2 he owned in his 40s. He was also an avid golfer, always up for a round and rarely short on opinions about his game — or the course’s upkeep. He sang in the choir at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. And he was a devoted, lifelong fan of the New York Yankees, the New York Rangers, the New York Giants, the UNC Tar Heels, the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Carolina Panthers.
Graham is survived by his children, Todd, Laurie, Jim, and Heather; his 13 grandchildren; his 9 great-grandchildren; and his brother, David. He was predeceased by his wife, Gretchen, and his sister, Martha.
Service details will be announced at a later date, once Graham's expansive family can gather together to properly celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church and the V Foundation.