William N. Benninghoff III

Bill’s life was marked by the relationships he built and the love he freely gave. He was a devoted husband, an extraordinary father, a loving son and brother, and the uncle and friend everyone wished for. His kindness, quick wit, and ability to connect with others left a lasting impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Nikki; his daughters, Paige and Jules, who were his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment; his mother, Nancy Benninghoff; his brother, Danny Benninghoff and wife Erika; his brother, Scott Benninghoff and wife Jessica; beloved nephews, Max, Logan, Porter, Landon, and Oliver; beloved nieces Skyler, Kala, Hannah and Serena; extended family members, and friends. He is also survived by his cherished brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Sean and Cindy Haynie, Donald and Judy Dobrick, and Michael and Kim Dobrick. He was preceded in death by his father, William Norman Benninghoff Jr.

A graduate of Longwood University, Bill devoted much of his professional life to serving others. He worked as a counselor at Poplar Springs, served as a Juvenile Probation Officer before later transitioning into sales at Bretmor Headwear. In every role he held, Bill brought compassion, integrity, and a genuine desire to help others.

While he was proud of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy and proudest achievement was being a father. Bill was, without question, one of the very best girl dads. He never hesitated to put on a tiara for a game of Pretty Pretty Princess, watch episode after episode of iCarly, carry many dance and cheer bags, or enthusiastically emcee dance recitals. He showed up for every moment, creating memories that his daughters will carry with them forever. His girls were the center of his world, and there was never any doubt how deeply they were loved.

Bill was an avid outdoorsmen and lover of sports. He spent much of his free time fishing, hunting, and at various sports events. Bill shared his love of the outdoors and sports with those who, by blood and by choice, had the privilege of calling him uncle. Many would consider Bill a second dad. Bill made his nieces and nephews feel seen, valued, and loved. He was the person they could count on for encouragement, support, advice, a laugh or a story. His love for them made their days brighter and their lives richer.

To know Bill was to love him. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for turning acquaintances into lifelong friends. Whether he was close to home or traveling across the country, he somehow always managed to run into someone he knew. His genuine interest in people, quick smile, and ability to make everyone feel welcome meant that no conversation was ever with a stranger for long. Family, friends, former coworkers, neighbors, and even chance encounters quickly became part of Bill’s ever-growing circle.

Bill’s legacy is one of love, laughter, generosity, and showing up for the people who mattered most. He leaves behind a family who adored him, countless friends whose lives were made better by knowing him, and a community that will feel his absence deeply.

Though he will be profoundly missed, the love he shared, the memories he created, and the example he set as a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

"A father holds his children's hands for a while, but their hearts forever."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the ALS Association at www.als.org

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday October 26, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

Ashton Creek Vineyard

14501 Route 1, Chester VA 23831