Mr. Leo Edward (Eddie) Benton, Jr., age 64, of Athens died Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at BJC Medical Center. Mr. Benton was born in Clarke County to Hazel Minish Benton of Commerce and the late Leo Edward Benton, Sr. He was a member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church. Mr. Benton graduated from Commerce High School in 1964 and served as the senior class president. He graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1971. Mr. Benton was a member of the State Bar of Georgia and served as Commerce City Attorney and Jackson County Solicitor. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club where he had 31 years of perfect attendance. He was an active member of Gideons International and worked with several mission and prayer groups. He was a volunteer with the Good News Clinic and Young Life organizations and also volunteered with a reading program for young children.
In addition to his mother, Mr. Benton is survived by his sons, Lee Benton and Ryon Benton both of Watkinsville; daughters, Alice Benton Moreland of Watkinsville and Klaire Benton Winslett of Statham; sister, Nancy Smallwood of Commerce and five grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 17 at First Baptist Church of Commerce with the Dr. Carlton Allen, Rev. Henry Webb and Rev. John Weber officiating. Interment will follow in Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday night, April 16th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 225, Commerce, GA 30529 and Young Life, 718 Oak Street, Gainesville, GA 30501.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
