Benjamin Bowling Wills lll, 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.
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.
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