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Benjamin Wills Obituary
BENJAMIN BOWLING WILLS III
Son of Timothy and Stacey Wills and loving brother to Maggie, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Monday, April 11, 2022, at the age of 19. Ben is survived by grandmothers Sharon Spitzer and Joanne Wills, and dear family members Trey, Christina, Sophia and Sydney Wills; Eric, Irina, Darren and Branden Spitzer, Jessica Wills, Erik, Denver and Jackson Leach and great aunt Kathleen Wills, widow of his namesake. Ben was preceded in death by his grandfathers Burton Spitzer and P. Reed Wills II.
Raised in Bethesda, MD, Ben attended Abingdon Montessori School, McLean School, Forman School in Litchfield, CT, and the College of Charleston where he was a Pi Kappa Phi. During the summers Ben was a multi-year camper and then dedicated counselor at his beloved Camp Wachusett in Vermont. His connection to these communities and his experiences in team sports were catalysts for his natural leadership and compassion. He was fiercely loyal with an unending capacity to spread love and support others.
Ben was deeply passionate and enthusiastic about sports and was recognized for his abilities on the playing field, ice or hardwood as much as he was lauded for his sportsmanship. He stood tall and shoulder to shoulder with his family, friends, and teammates whom he would support and fiercely defend. He played varsity football, ice hockey, and lacrosse, JV basketball and was active in drama, improv, and culinary arts. He loved Washington sports teams and was known for his exuberant fanaticism whether in the stands or watching from home surrounded by family and friends. His passion for music ran almost as deep as his love of sports and Ben was always eager to share a playlist.
He had a larger-than-life personality. His infectious smile, gentle heart and engaging sense of humor attracted people to him. Ben took pride in being a leader, a community builder and relished bringing people together. From a young age Ben had an uncanny ability to connect with people. He sensed when others were hurting and always offered a helping hand and an encouraging word. He believed his superpower was giving hugs.
Ben was generous with his love, his time and championed causes for which he was passionate. Being part of a community was important to him. He looked up to his parents and their cousins and friends. He never looked down on anyone. It is in this spirit that The Benjamin Bowling Wills, III Charitable Foundation has been established to benefit causes he held dear.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Benjamin Bowling Wills III Foundation 8230 Boone Boulevard, Suite 340, Vienna, VA 22182.
Services will be held on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 10 a.m. at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd., Bethesda, MD.
Ben was truly the best friend anyone could ever ask for, a gentle giant with the ability to make himself happy by making those around him even happier.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Wills
Pat and Lynn
April 10, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Pat and Lynn
Pat
February 14, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you this Valentines Day
Ben was so full of love every day.
Pat and Lynn
Richard Silipigni
April 21, 2022
My wife Christina and I attended the service this morning on behalf of our son Michael - a fraternity brother of Ben´s at Pi Kappa Phi at College of Charleston - who was devastated by his passing after being so fortunate to have known him and the experiences they were able to share during that precious time together. After hearing all of the amazing tributes to Ben its clear that all who knew him are better for having been blessed by his presence. To the Wills Family - know that he is in great company and right there by your side always. You remain in our thoughts and in our prayers - may his eternal light shine down upon you forever.
Gwen Tolbart
April 21, 2022
My prayers go out to my friend Jessica to all of her family and all of Ben's friends for this heartbreaking loss. I am praying for all of you during this very difficult time. Gone way too soon may Ben RIP.
Rebecca Horn
April 21, 2022
We are so very sorry for your loss; it is unfathomable. Sending love to you all.
Jackson Cogar
April 21, 2022
I was a counselor of Ben´s at Camp Wachusett for a few years. He was truly one my most memorable campers of all time. He brought an infectious energy with him everywhere, included campers of all ages and often made me laugh uncontrollably. He will truly be missed.
Hope Hallock
April 21, 2022
There are no words for this type of loss. I was blessed to know Ben and Maggie as their Middle School counselor at McLean. I am holding all of you in my heart today and in the coming days to follow. Ben was a bright light on this Earth. He touched so many lives and I will never forget his smile.
Lur Egan
April 21, 2022
My daughter went to middle school with Ben at the McLean School. She says everyone loved him. He was kind, funny, loving, and made everyone feel happy and accepted. I remember him too as a young middle schooler with a big, beautiful smile.
My heart and love go out to Ben's entire family. I will continue to think of you all and remember him fondly.
The Germano Family
April 21, 2022
Our deepest sympathies to you during this very difficult time. Our hearts are broken.
Sara P Thrift
April 20, 2022
I was Ben´s RA at the College of Charleston and though we weren´t the closest of friends, we still have plenty of silly encounters together. He was so sweet and kind and always had a big smile on his face. Such a warm and gentle guy. Prayers and thoughts go out to family and friends.
Kim, Kirsten and Sonja
April 19, 2022
With so many cherished memories of Ben, know that he will live on in our hearts forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Tyler Christie
April 19, 2022
Ben was a center and forward for Forman´s basketball team, his leadership helped our team, during his season to a 13-2 record, our best record in the six seasons I´ve coached at Forman. We bonded over old school hiphop and his personality, smile and positivity was very contagious. Thoughts and prayers go out to Ben´s family and friends.
Doug Sokol
April 19, 2022
Stacey,
I am so sorry to hear about Ben. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Maureen K Scott
April 19, 2022
Thinking of you and your family in this very challenging time.
Jamaal Clarke (Coach J)
April 18, 2022
I am deeply saddened by this news and my heart pours out to all family.
Ben was always such a joy and fun kid to be around. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment we shared !!!
In my prayers
-Coach J
Joan Smith
April 18, 2022
My gentle Ben- he stole my heart as a three-year-old in my class at Abingdon: so many dear memories: following Ben through the years has been a joy.
May those precious memories of Ben help sustain you in this devastating loss. Peace and love.
Shawn Goldstein & Kai Joseph (McLean LX)
April 17, 2022
Our hearts go out to you, we are so saddened by your sudden loss of your dear Ben. May his memory be a blessing.
ROSEY Hawes
April 17, 2022
Your smile and great personality keeps haunting me. Ben I loved you as I love your family . Rest In Peace happy boy.
Adriana Simmons
April 16, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss, I knew ben for only a short amount of time. we shared middle school together but his personality remained the same, he was one of the first students to make me feel loved and understood up until the day he left.
Debbie and Chuck Leiber
April 16, 2022
What a special young man he was. We enjoyed spending time with him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both of you and your families All our love
Eileen Kelly-Aguirre
April 16, 2022
Ben radiated compassion. His loving heart was a magnet that drew people close. My deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to his loved ones.
Pat and Lynn
April 16, 2022
Ben was happiest helping others find joy and laughter.
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