Benjamin Sims Willard

Benjamin S. Willard Spartanburg - On Thursday, November 15, 2018, Benjamin Sims Willard, loving husband and father of two, passed away at the age of 75. Ben was born on August 5, 1943 in Denton, TX to William G. Willard, Jr. and Isabel Brewster Sims Willard. He graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1961 received a BA degree from the Citadel in 1965, He and his brother William owned Willard Oil Company and Fast Phil’s, Inc. On June 11, 1965, he married his junior high school sweetheart and love of his life, Kathleen Carter Cohen. They raised two daughters, Carter and Isabel. Ben had a passion for life. He loved fine dining and not-so-fine dining, and outdoor sports. He enjoyed snow skiing, hiking, golf and tennis. He was known for his quick wit, his love of the English language, his devotion to his family and his genuine interest in other people. Ben was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, and a Trustee Emeritus of the Spartanburg County Foundation. Ben was preceded in death by his father and mother, and a brother-in-law, Stephen J Huntley. He is survived by his wife Kathy, their daughters, Carter Willard Smith (Louis) of Spartanburg, and Isabel Willard Peterson (Nils) of Linville, NC, and four grandchildren, Kathleen Carter Smith, Benjamin Gerald Smith, Nils Henry Peterson and Carter Willard Peterson. He is also survived by his brother William G. Willard, III (Floride), his sister-in-law, Beverly Cohen Huntley, five nieces and nephews, and a host of Willard and Sims cousins. The family wishes to thank Ben’s wonderful caregivers, Bobbi Kirby, Donna Kirby, Araceli Reyes, Wanda Hopper, Jodi Carter and Araceli Trejas. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 19, 2018 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens at 3:30p.m. In remembrance of Ben, contributions may be sent to the Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy St., Spartanburg, SC 29302. The family is at the home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.jmdunbar.com