Ralph Winston Will

Ralph Winston Will, 85, of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away on December 18, 2025.

Born on June 6, 1940, in Bridgewater, Virginia, Ralph was the son of John Henry Will and Olive Huffman. He graduated from Virginia Tech, where he studied engineering, and went on to a distinguished career as an aerospace engineer with NASA at Langley in Hampton, Virginia.

In 1966, Ralph married his first wife, Carolyn Lilly of Mount Crawford, Virginia, and together they made their home in Williamsburg, Virginia. They were active in the Virginia Native Plant Society and shared a lifelong appreciation for Virginia's native landscapes. Carolyn preceded him in death on September 10, 2011.

In October 2012, Ralph remarried J Rosalie Pieper of Williamsburg, Virginia. Together, they made their home in Burgess, Virginia, where Ralph enjoyed his days watching the water and native wildlife from his recliner while reading, his favorite pastime.

He is survived by his three sons:

Eldest son Gregory Will and his life partner Kassie Beyer of Chicago, Illinois

Middle son Jeffrey Will and his wife Kathryn Will, and their daughters Margaux Will and Gwen Will, all of Richmond, Virginia

Youngest son Travis Will and his wife Cortney Will of Williamsburg, Virginia

He will be remembered by his family for his quiet dedication, curiosity, and love of learning, as well as his devotion to the places and people he called home.

Memorial Services

Two memorial services will be held in the spring: one in Williamsburg, Virginia and one in Bridgewater, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family may wish to suggest contributions in his memory to the John Clayton Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society P.O. Box 1128, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23187.