William E. McCaughtry III 2003-2023

Will was born July 26, 2003, in Youngstown, a son of William “Billy” and Terri Ross McCaughtry.

A lifelong resident of Lowellville, Will attended Lowellville Schools, where he participated in cross-country and band, playing the bass clarinet. His junior year, he attended the Mahoning County Career and Technical Center and graduated in 2021.

When Will turned 18, he began his lifelong dream of working at the family store, Ross’ Market in Lowellville. His plan was to be the third generation to carry on the family business. While working there, Will enjoyed interacting with the people of the Village of Lowellville, a place he held near and dear to his heart.

Will developed his love of music playing the bass clarinet. He and his friends started a band, where he played numerous instruments and was lead singer. His favorite instrument was the ukelele and he carried it everywhere in his backpack.

His love of animals equaled his passion for music. He cherished his cats, Munchie, Trippy and Luna; his puppy dog, Buddy; and the family dogs, Payton and Lucky.

Will loved the outdoors, hiking and camping at the club, as well as collecting comic books, an interest he shared closely with his father.

Will’s greatest attribute was his kind heart. He was a peacemaker; he befriended, defended and protected those less fortunate. Will’s desire in life was for people to be kind to one another, respect each others diversities, and make the world a kinder and better place to live.

Will leaves to carry on his legacy, his parents, Billy and Terri at home; his sister, Laila also at home; grandparents, Carmela McCaughtry of Lowellville, and Earl and Salwa Ross, also of Lowellville; uncles, Keith (Michele) McCaughtry of Lowellville and Earl (Lori) Ross Jr. of Mineral Ridge; aunt, Tammy Ross of Lowellville; eight cousins, Ainsley and Alexa McCaughtry, both of Lowellville, Jamileh (Gabriel) Alain of Columbus, Erika (Troy Rittner) Laudermilt of Struthers, Joshua (Anna Salupo) Foor of Youngstown, and Ella, Lillian and Addison Ross, all of Mineral Ridge; and numerous extended family members and friends, including his dear buddies, Gavin, Phil, Michael and Lex.

Will was preceded in death by his grandfather, William McCaughtry Sr.; uncle, Thomas McCaughtry; and cousin, Thomas McCaughtry.

Friends will be received 4 to 7 p.m. today, Friday, and 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Lowellville. A Trisagion prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. today, and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.

A funeral service will follow at 10 a.m. Saturday, in the chapel at Holy Rosary Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com.

(special notice)