William E. Best (December 15, 1919 – February 25, 2007) was an American Baptist elder, author, and teacher whose writings and ministry focused on Sovereign Grace theology within a strict Baptist framework. Born in Newport, Arkansas, to William Henry Best and Eula Lee McJunkins, he grew up in a rural setting, later moving to Houston, Texas. Converted in 1942 at age 22 under the preaching of Elder W.A. Pinkston at Little Hope Baptist Church in Arkansas, Best initially resisted a call to ministry but began preaching in 1945 after returning to Houston. He served as an elder at South Park Baptist Church (later Houston Sovereign Grace Baptist Church) from 1953 until his death, leading a small, independent congregation committed to Calvinistic doctrine. Best’s ministry was less about traditional pulpit preaching and more about teaching and writing, though he did preach regularly to his flock. He founded the Sovereign Grace Book Club in 1970, distributing literature that defended unconditional election, limited atonement, and biblical inerrancy—hallmarks of his theology. His 30+ books, including Free Grace Versus Free Will (1985), The Saviour’s Definite Redemption (1978), and The Born-Again Phenomenon: A Cover-Up for Heresy (1987), gained a niche following among Sovereign Grace Baptists, though he remained obscure compared to mainstream figures. Known for his meticulous, sometimes abrasive style, Best debated Arminianism and critiqued evangelical trends, earning both admirers and detractors. Married to Merle McJunkins in 1942, with two children (William Jr. and Linda), he died at 87 in Houston, leaving a legacy of uncompromising doctrinal fidelity in a small but devoted circle.