Benjamin Witherspoon Dunlap

Benjamin Witherspoon Dunlap died Wednesday, July 30, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He was at home surrounded by his family. He was born on March 10, 1973 in Columbia, SC. He spent his teenage years with his family in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand where he attended the Ruam Rudee School and the Alliance Française Chiang Mai. Ben became fluent in Thai and was a striker for his sepak takraw team. He returned to Columbia, SC and graduated from Heathwood Hall Episcopal School where he was captain of the soccer team and president of the student body. He attended Amherst College and graduated with a degree in Anthropology. After graduation, he moved to Chapel Hill, NC where he met his wife, Jamie Newnam Dunlap.

Ben was a talented musician, mastering multiple instruments while playing in several bands during college and in Chapel Hill. During his early years in Chapel Hill, he managed a small music club in Carrboro (Go! Studios) that showcased musicians and artists from both the local scene and around the world. He later became an accomplished carpenter and project manager building and renovating exquisite music studios, residential and commercial buildings alongside his friends Cam Hill, Daryl White and Adam Nolton.

He was a loving, supportive, and devoted husband to Jamie and father to Boyd and Mae Dunlap. Despite all his accomplishments, he was happiest when he was with his children.

Ben was predeceased by his mother, Anne Boyd Dunlap, in 2019. He is survived by his wife and children; his father, Benjamin Bernard Dunlap; his sisters, Boykin Dunlap Bell (Greg Bell) and Susannah Beverley Dunlap (Bo Walker); his sisters-in-law, Ruth Newnam; Laura Newnam Terry (Mark Terry); and nieces and nephews Bevin Zeke Herrmann-Bell, Jones Kaiser Bell, Alexander Boykin Bell, Ella Terry, Truman Terry, and Iris Ventre.

Ben showed everyone what courage and strength meant as he fought cancer for over four years, enduring multiple surgeries and chemo treatments. He was loved and respected by so many in his community because of his kindness, humility and loyal friendship.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be held at the Backroom of the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC on August 17, 3-7pm. There will be an ensemble of musicians and a time to celebrate Ben.

In lieu of flowers, Ben’s family requests donations to Duke Cancer Institute's Gastrointestinal Cancer or The American Cancer Society