Candlelight Service Planned For Popular Durant Student

PLANT CITY. FL—Emotional tributes continue to pour in for a Durant High School senior who was looking forward to graduating next month.

Grover Wills, 18, of 706 Rocky Mountain Court, Valrico, died Sunday, April 15, after being shot at the Mobile Gas Station at 612 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon (see related story).

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Wills got into a fight with another man at the gas station Sunday night. During the argument, the man shot him. A friend drove Wills to Brandon Regional Hospital where he died.

The shooter has been interviewed by sheriff’s detectives. No charges have been filed.

The news of Wills’ death stunned the student body at Durant High School in Plant City where Wills was a popular student, member of the football and basketball teams and budding hip-hop musician.

“It’s sad to say goodbye to such a genuine and sweet soul,” tweeted the Durant High School Students Government Association. “Grover’s presence will forever be missed but we will always remember him by his smile.”

“With heavy hearts, last night we lost not only a teammate but a brother. Rest in peace Grover Wills,” tweeted the Durant Cougars football team. “Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

“The world lost a talent today on the football field and musically in Grover Wills,” said Coach Nick Fabrizio. “I’m glad I got to work with you for the last year -- definitely left a lasting impression on my life.”

In addition to memorials from Durant students, tributes for the popular student have been posted on social media by the football teams at Tampa Catholic, Spoto and Newsome high school football teams.

The SGA has organized a candlelight service in Wills’ honor Wednesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Durant High School Stadium, 4748 Cougar Path in Plant City.

Video via Wills family