A caring neighbor can sometimes be hard to find in this day and age, but L.J. “Jr.” Best was able to find one when he least expected it.

Best is a well-known and lifelong resident of Highland Home. His home is currently located directly across from the Highland Home School.

Not too long ago, Best decided to have contractor look into building an access ramp off of his front porch to ensure his outside mobility, but after meeting with them decided against it.

It was then that District one commissioner Ricky McElwain contacted Lee Smith at Lee Smith Construction Company to see what could be done.

“I think everybody is going to get to the point where they need a little help, and the more time passes, the less people there are that are willing to help others,” said Smith.

Smith says that the project took about three 11 hour work days to complete. The team was able to put in an 8 x 8 platform off the front of the house and a 56-foot access ramp, which runs down the side of the house.

This project was completed quickly and without any charge to Best. In honor of the work Smith and his company did, Best requested that a small plaque be made and attached to the ramp to let everyone know the good deed that was done for him.

While Smith did not take on this project for the recognition, he does hope that Best’s story will inspire those around him to take more of an interest in helping someone in need.

“If something like this can maybe inspire someone else to help somebody, I would be all about it, but not for the personal gain,” said Smith.