July 9, 2025

Community Mourns the Loss of Benjamin Robertson Schools

News Summary

Benjamin Robertson Schools, a beloved Charleston resident known for his creativity and adventurous spirit, passed away after a battle with cancer. At only 29, he left behind a legacy of love for the outdoors, community involvement, and unwavering faith. Schools was deeply cherished by family and friends, especially his wife, Sarah, as they recently celebrated their wedding anniversary. His memorial service is planned for June 23, where friends and family will honor his life and contributions to conservation and the arts.

Charleston – Benjamin Robertson Schools, a cherished resident of Charleston and a passionate creative soul, passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 29. Surrounded by loved ones, Schools died after a courageous battle with cancer, an illness that reoccurred in recent months. His fight against the disease was marked by remarkable strength and grace, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.

Born on February 20, 1996, just one minute after his twin sister, Nella Gray, Schools was the youngest child of Nella and David Schools. The family is also blessed with an older sister, Susannah. Just days before his passing, Schools celebrated his third wedding anniversary with his wife, Sarah Alexander Schools, whom he regarded as a blessing in his life.

Schools highlighted his deep love for a variety of activities throughout his life, including surfing, writing, and exploring the outdoors. His adventurous spirit and passion for music, poetry, and reading made him a beloved figure among his friends and family. He was known for his unwavering support for those around him and was regarded as a man of profound faith.

Academic achievements marked Schools’ early life as he graduated with honors from Porter-Gaud School, where he was awarded the Anthony Toomer Porter Award. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The University of Virginia, where he participated in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Schools continued his educational journey with a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from the College of Charleston, honing his skills in creative writing and contributing writings to the Charleston Mercury while working at Kudu Coffee.

Following his education, Schools immersed himself in his community and became involved in various non-profit organizations that focused on conservation, a cause close to his heart. Recently, he transitioned into the financial services sector, working with Dan Parker’s group at Raymond James. His colleagues supported him unwaveringly during his treatment for cancer, demonstrating the strong bonds he formed within the workplace.

Notably, Schools had an enduring love for the water, often seen surfing and enjoying the scenic beaches of Charleston. Throughout his life, he found solace in nature and was an active participant in outings that celebrated the beauty of the great outdoors.

Schools is survived by his wife Sarah, his parents, Nella and David Schools, sisters Susannah and Nella Gray Schools, and grandmothers Nella Gray Barkley and Marion Newton Schools, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and seven cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Rufus C. Barkley, Jr., his paternal grandfather, Burton R. Schools, and an uncle. His steadfast faith in God remained a cornerstone throughout his life and struggles.

A funeral service to celebrate Benjamin Robertson Schools’ life will take place on June 23, 2025, at 5:00 PM at The Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be made to St. Philip’s Church or the Coastal Conservation League as a tribute to Schools’ dedication to faith and conservation.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.