Bro. Lee Roy Best, Jr. Active Member of Phi Alpha
First African American Middle School Principal, Anderson, SC
First African American Adult Education Director Districts 3, 4, and 5
First African American member of the Anderson County Board of Realtors
View Previous Omega Man SpotlightsPersonal
Born in Anderson, SC: 1937
One of three sons of Rev. Lee Roy and Melrose Best
Married to Eloise Reeder
Son- Lee Roy III (Deceased)
Son- Dr. Darryl B. Best
Three Grandchildren Education
Received Elementary and Secondary Education in Anderson, SC
Graduate of Reed Street H.S.
Attended Howard University
Graduate of Benedict College, Bachelors of Arts Degree 1956
Received Masters of Science Degree in Middle School Administration, Indiana University 1965
University of Georgia, received Specialist in EducationProfessional
Teacher Westside H.S. 9Years
1967 Assistant Principal Southwood Middle School for 2 Years
Later was named Principal of Southwood Middle School for 17 Years
1986 Named Director of Adult Education for Anderson Districts 3,4, and 5
Retired from Education in June 1990
1991 became a Licensed Realtor with the Baron Agency
First African American member of the Anderson County Board of Realtors
Chairman of the Continuing Education Civil Rights CommitteeCommunity Service
2001 Awarded the Mamie Duckett Service Award by President Dr. Swinton of Benedict College
Served on the Community Health Planning Council
Representative for Anderson County on the Upstate Minority Economic Development Board
Member and Past President of the Board of Anderson County Educators Federal Credit Union
NEA Member
SCEA Member
School Master Club Member
NAACP Member
Member Greeley Institute Board, the first public school built for the Freedmen in Anderson County
Member St. Paul First Baptist Church in Anderson
Has served as a Sunday School Teacher, and Superintendent for 22 Years
Early member of the Benedict Alumni Chorale (Bass Section)
Life Member National Alumni Association of Benedict College
Served as a member of the Trustee Ministry, Finance Committee and Building and Grounds Committee.
Currently serves as a Deacon Vice Chairman on the Budget Committee and the Constitution and By Laws Study Committee
Was elected as President of the Anderson Benedict College Club and made assisting students with financial aid paper work a hobby. Assisted students with enrolling at Benedict and other colleges and universities.
Served as the Co-Chair of the National Annual Giving Campaign and developed the current Presidential Breakfast for individuals who donate $500.00 or more to the college.
Military
Entered the Military in 1956 and served for 2 years with the anti aircraft missile division. (Received an Honorable Discharge)Enthusiasm for OmegaAt an early age Bro. Best attended with his parents who were educators an Omega function sponsored by the Phi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. from Anderson, Greenville and Spartanburg, SC. At the closing of the program he witnessed the brothers singing a hymn called “Omega Day” and was impressed. Bro. Best later stated to his parents “When I go to college I would like to join that organization”. While attending Howard University on December 8, 1953, Bro. Best crossed the burning sands, stood around the Sundial on the campus and was presented a Certificate of Membership signed by Charles Bryant, Basileus of Alpha Chapter and Grand Basileus Grant Reynolds of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Phi Alpha Chapter
Has Chaired Membership Intake, Social Action and Benevolence Committee
Has served as Basileus, Vice Basileus, Keeper of records and Seals, Delegate to Council at Annual Sixth District meeting and Conclaves
Omega Man of the Year 1977, 1992,1999
Awarded 40 Year Pin at 68th Grand Conclave Cleveland Ohio, , July 24, 1994
Awarded 50 Year Diamond Pin at 73rd Grand Conclave, St. Louis, Missouri, July 24, 2004
Assisted in the Founding of Chi Zeta Chapter, Clemson University
Assisted in the Founding of Upsilon Eta Chapter, Lander University
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Car Tag # Mighty Six (MS 23), SC
