Leroy Harte Benton IV

Leroy Harte Benton IV, age 49, of Mobile, Alabama, passed away leaving behind a remarkable lifetime of stories, laughter, unforgettable memories and a lasting legacy . Roy was born on November 9, 1976, in Mobile, Alabama to his loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Harte Benton III. He is survived by our parents as well as his siblings, Thomas Fitzgerald Benton and Aurelia Benton McMahon, his brother-in-law, Dr. Daniel McMahon and many nieces and nephews – all of whom loved, “Uncle Roy” and his stories of adventures in Montana and beyond.

Leroy, known to many as, “Roy” was as courageous in his recent fight as he was in his broader approach to life. He was blessed to be surrounded by his loving family and a fiercely dedicated group of friends, many of whom have stood beside him from first grade at UMS until the very end. These friendships were lifelong, loyal, and unbreakable.

Roy spent most of his youth in Mobile, growing up along Dog River, where days were filled with highly competitive games of basketball, football, nonstop water sports, and legendary neighborhood “war games” with cousins and friends that occasionally ended in sibling “disputes”. I was often the beneficiary of his substantial enforcement which only strengthened our bond.! Those were some of the best days of our lives, and not surprising to anyone here, Roy lived every one of those days wide open.

After graduating from UMS, he then went on to graduate from the University of Alabama, where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. He fully embraced the college experience and developed a lifelong love for Alabama football. “T-Town,” as Roy called it, was a place where he truly left his mark. Roy in Tuscaloosa was a sight to see—just ask the bike cops!

In his 40s, Roy found his next chapter in Montana, where he chased wild places and wild birds. He loved hunting chukars, pheasant, and grouse, fly fishing for trout, riding horses, and skiing deep into the backcountry. The outdoors wasn’t just something Roy enjoyed—it was where he belonged and where he was most at home.

Roy was headstrong. He loved hard, he lived hard, and he died hard. In his final days, Roy showed a level of courage and strength I have never before witnessed and is impossible to articulate. He has left all of us far too soon, but not before leaving his impact on every one of us and in ways that only Roy could. Roy’s life was big, bold, and unapologetically his— which is exactly how he will be remembered.

Leroy Harte Benton IV will be deeply missed and most certainly never forgotten.

Visitation for Roy will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 3704 Spring Hill Avenue, Mobile, AL 36608. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a private family committal service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

River Discovery

P.O. Box 8336

Boise, ID 83707

Riverdiscovery.org

Dog River Clearwater Revival

P.O. Box 161523

Mobile, AL 36616

dogriver.org