Lee Ashby Benson III.

Lee Ashby Benson, III, 73, of Bel Air, MD passed away peacefully, lovingly surrounded by family and close friends on January 23, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Debra, and devoted father, grandfather, and godfather.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Genevieve "Gene" and Lee A. Benson, Jr., Lee attended Case Western University, where he met Debra, his beautiful bride and the love of his life. They married in December of 1975 beginning their life as a couple in Virgina, with Lee working for the family business. Lee and Debra settled where Maryland where Lee, became Vice President, and then President of The L. A. Benson Company.
Lee's faith and his family were key aspects in his life. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. After his retirement, boating in North Carolina became a favorite activity, enjoying the water, sand, sun, and spending time with his family. His Catholic faith was of utmost importance to him and he embraced his role as deacon at St. Ignatius Church in Hickory, MD. One of his favorite ministries was OCIA where he passionately shared his faith with others, but always in his characteristic quiet and unobtrusive way.
In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his daughter, Erin.
Lee is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Debra, and their children Coleman (Angel), Ashley, and Lee (Sarah) and their four grandchildren CJ, Ben, Jacob, and Sophia. Lee is also survived by his brother, Robert Benson and his sisters Jinni Benson, Joan B. Albert, and Mary Jean Meyer.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Lee's life at Evans Life Celebration Home-3 Newport Drive, Forest Hill, Md 21050 with a visitation on Friday February 6, 2026 from 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026 at 11:00 am at St. Ignatius Church-Hickory (Contemporary Church). Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfuneralchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lee's honor to: Little Sister of the Poor, St. Martin's Home, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, Maryland 2122-3630 (410-744-9367) or to Renewal Ministries, PO Box 491, Ann Arbor, MI 48106 (734-662-1730).