Benjamin Grant Willis

Benjamin Grant Willis Jr. of East Falmouth, MA, passed away peacefully with family on December 28, 2024 at age 84. Born in Melrose, MA, Grant had a long and full life. Known as a "whiz kid" from an early age, Grant attended Falmouth public schools and Phillips Andover Academy (1957). He graduated from the Air Force Academy (1961) and served as a navigator, attaining the rank of Captain and earning the Air Force Longevity Service Award and the Vietnam Service Medal. After discharge, Grant went on to attend Brooklyn Law School and was admitted to the Bar in both New York and Massachusetts, setting himself up to spend the majority of his life as an attorney in his hometown of Falmouth. While in New York he also studied acting and continued to perform in local productions throughout his life.
Grant's wealth of knowledge helped him to the quarterfinals of the 1969 Jeopardy Tournament of Champions. He was an avid history buff and spent many years on the Board of the Falmouth Historical Society. He served on numerous other nonprofit Boards including Service Credit Union and Neighborhood Falmouth. In his retirement Grant enjoyed time as a greeter at Sun Retreats.
Grant is predeceased by his parents, Brigadier General Benjamin Grant Willis and Virginia Wall (Wells), and his loving wife, Sarah Mann. He is survived by his stepdaughter Elizabeth Schwartz Dimond and her husband Owen, as well as grandchildren William, Katherine, and Joanna Dimond.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Barnabas's Episcopal Church in Falmouth. Interment will take place at the MA National Cemetery in Bourne. Donations in Grant's honor can be made to the Falmouth Historical Society, P.O. Box 174, Falmouth, MA 02541.