Troy Best

Dr. Troy L. Best, a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, educatorand friend passed away at his home in Fort Sumner, NM on September 9, 2025.

Troy, an Emeritus Professor at the Auburn UniversityDepartment of Biological Sciences earned his M.S. – Zoology and Ph.D. – Zoology degrees at the University of Oklahoma. He began his tenure at Auburn in 1988 as an Assistant Professor. Prior to his professorship at Auburn University, Troy was a professor at the University of New Mexico, Eastern New Mexico University and Northeastern University in Boston. He served on the Board of Governors for the Southwestern Association of Naturalists, Curator of Mammals at the Auburn University Natural History Museum. He was affectionately referred to as the Batman of Auburn because of his expertise inthe bat species. Troy was the author and co-author of a number of publications related to wildlife. His greatest joy in his professional life was taking his students on field trips around the world where he and his pupils would research, observe and document many forms or wildlife.

Outside his professional life Troy adored and supported, on many levels, his family. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved watching nature and had some knowledge of about every species. He spent his retirement days at his beloved New Mexico ranch where he was born and raised. It was his happy place, where he could enjoy the tranquility of the land and the various wildlife that passed through its pastures. This is a passion he passed on to his family and all who visit that sacred place.

Troy was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nadine, his brother Floyd and sister Shirley. He leaves behind two sons, Frank (Vickie) and Bryan Best; his granddaughter, JaquelineBest; his grandson, Brad Taylor; his nephew, Kelly (Jill) Medford; his niece, Lisa Reed; grandnieces, Kellby and Kasi Medford, Kori (Shon) Gibson and Kayla (Joe) Lavene.

His legacy will live on through his family, students, friends and colleagues whose lives he touched, as well as the land he cherished and tended.

A private memorial service will be held in the spring in New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Southwestern Association of Naturalistshttps://saon.wildapricot.org/Donate.

Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.