Ben Burris was an extraordinary person, a generous and compassionate friend, brother, and son. Although sensitive and soft-spoken, he was a tremendous spirit who left an indelible impression on all who knew him. Ben was born and raised in Charleston. He graduated from Porter-Gaud School in 2001 and from Southern Methodist University with a BA in History in 2005. A hard worker and an accomplished athlete, Ben excelled at virtually everything he undertook. With his brother Will, he was an offensive and defensive star on two state champion football teams, and he had two holes-in-one before he was 15. Ben was even an outstanding fisherman. He loved being in the outdoors and especially enjoyed the water. As a complement to his natural abilities and talents, Ben was a fierce competitor, but it was never personal accomplishment or recognition that Ben was ever after. Ben was a team player who cared deeply about his friends, family, and others around him. He relished the time that he spent with those people, and many of his close friends considered him to be the glue that bound them all together. Ben was also a tolerant, fair person. He held no prejudices and had no enemies. He was also responsible, could admit his mistakes, and would do whatever necessary to correct them. Above all, Ben was genuine and cheerful. This is the way people remember him. He lived everyday of his life content, comfortable in who he was and where he was headed. Ben died suddenly in a car accident outside of Charleston on August 3, 2008 at the age of 25. He touched many people in his life, and he continues to do so. In some ways his life is a gift to us in his death, a challenge to live a life as content and fulfilling as his. Click here to learn more about the Benjamin Wyatt Burris Foundation. © Benjamin Wyatt Burris Foundation