‘Eddie’ Benton

ATHENS – Leo Edward “Eddie” Benton Jr., 64, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce.

Born in Clarke County, he was the son of Hazel Minish Benton of Commerce and the late Leo Edward Benton Sr. He was a member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church. He 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, was a volunteer with the Good News Clinic and Young Life organizations and also volunteered with a reading program for young children.

Survivors in addition to his mother include sons, Lee Benton and Ryon Benton, both of Watkinsville; daughters, Alice Benton Moreland, Watkinsville, and Klaire Benton Winslett, Statham; sister, Nancy Smallwood, Commerce; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 17, at 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Commerce with Carlton Allen, the Revs. Henry Webb and John Weber officiating. Burial will be in Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 225, Commerce, GA 30529 and Young Life, 718 Oak St., Gainesville, GA 30501.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.