Leigh Floyd Benner

Leigh F. Benner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2023 at the age of 92 in Alpharetta, GA. He was born on January 31, 1931 in Orange, NJ to the late Clyde and Ruth Leach Benner. An excellent student with an aptitude for numbers, Leigh graduated from Summit High School in Summit, New Jersey, Union College in Schenectady, New York, and earned his MBA from New York University.

He served in the Navy, graduating from Officer Candidate School and was an electronics engineer for Naval Air Squadron VP-26. Based out of Brunswick, Maine, the squadron was deployed to Jacksonville, Quonset Point, Puerto Rico, and Keflavik, Iceland.

He met his future wife, Mary Lou, on a blind date for a New Year’s Eve party. They settled in Westfield, NJ before being transferred to Columbus, Ohio. They lived in the Indian Hills subdivision of Columbus for nearly 50 years, where they made many lifelong friends. Leigh became a big fan of the Buckeyes (both the team and the candy). Leigh had a forty five year career with Western Electric working in the early days of computer technology.

Leigh enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family especially at the beach. Memories were created on family vacations throughout the years, particularly on Long Beach Island, NJ, Naples and Sanibel Island, Florida, and Bald Head Island, NC. During retirement, Leigh and Mary Lou made many trips to Europe including one that introduced their grandchildren to London and Paris. They also enjoyed reconnecting with Navy friends at multiple VP-26 reunions.

In addition to his parents, Leigh was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Benner Parker.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Lou, daughter Anne (Frank) Hamilton of Johns Creek, GA, grandchildren Ryan (Hayley) Hamilton of Boston, MA and Ansley Hamilton of Chicago, IL, and great grandchild, Amelia Hamilton.

Please share your memories or condolences with the family at www.roswellfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The National Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, www.navalaviationfoundation.org, or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date.