Leroy Harte Benton Jr.

Leroy Harte Benton Jr. born August 29, 1919 Deceased April 12, 2016 He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Margaret Welch Benton and his parents, L.H. Benton, Sr. and Alice Edwards Benton. He is survived by his daughter, Burke Benton Witherington (Ed) and his son Roy Benton, III (Missy). He is also survived by one brother, Terry Benton (Carolyn), Sister-N-Law Ruth Welch Ezell and first cousins Mildred Inge Wakefield (George) and Coleman Inge (Quan). He is survived by five grandchildren: John E. Witherington, Jr. (Cobby), Margaret Witherington Gleason (Tommy), Roy H. Benton, IV, Thomas F. Benton (Genia), Aurelia Benton McMahan (Daniel) and nine great grandchildren: Virginia C. Witherington, Ellis E. Witherington, J. Edward Witherington, III, Margaret Olivia Gleason, Thomas Stephen Gleason, III, Eugenia G. Benton, T. Rivers Benton, Benton P. McMahan and Aurelia Marie McMahan. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Murphy High School and while attending Auburn University was called to active duty in the U.S. Army, 31st Dixie Division during World War II serving in the Pacific rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He enjoyed a long career with Overseas Hardwood in the lumber business. He was a member of St. Ignatius church. He has been cared for with loving kindness by Isabela McMillian, Jesse Koger, Australia Mitchell and Arlandria Dubose. The family will receive friends in the Marian Center, St. Ignatius Church at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2016, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00. Graveside service to follow at Pine Crest Cemetery, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605. Arrangements under the direction of Pine Crest Funeral Home, MOBILE, AL.