Savannah -Leland Edward Benton, 86, of Isle of Wight in Midway, GA and formerly of Savannah passed away after an extended illness July 24, 2006 at Hospice Savannah Inc. He was a native of Savannah and a graduate of Commercial High School. Lee was a veteran of WWII having served in the United States Army in the invasion of Normandy and the "Battle of the Bulge" where he was one of only eleven soldiers in his division to survive. He was awarded several medals for his service including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Lee considered his service to our country and fighting for freedom to be an honor and was selected the "Best all around soldier" in his division. He served under General George C. Patton and after returning to the states to Fort Lewis, Washington, he joined the Army Bowling Team. Being an avid bowler, he traveled to many competitions with his team and shared many awards. During one of his tournaments he was recognized by General Dwight D. Eisenhower as a survivor of the "Battle of the Bulge" and was chosen to serve on his honor guard on three separate occasions. Lee was very proud of this honor. After returning to Savannah, Lee was employed by Union Camp Corp. as power house engineer until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of Savannah Christian Church and Christian Saints Sunday School Class. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward Lucas and Millie Carter Benton and three sisters Edytha Robbins, Mary See and Nell Mahaney. He is survived by his wife of twenty-one years, Betty Hart Benton of Isle of Wight; four sons and three daughters -in-law, James Edward Benton of Marietta, GA, Richard Lee and Louise Benton of Cayce, SC, Joe and Elaine Deal of Loudon, TN, and Ron and Nan Deal of Athens, GA; one daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Donald Boyce of Isle of Wight, GA; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors Hodgson Chapel with Rev. William Griffis and Pastor Jim Bolen officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Garden. Savannah Morning News July 25, 2006