Leland "Lee" Bruce Benton

Leland Bruce Benton, (a.k.a. "The Pizzaman or Mr. Lee and his greatest name papa bear) was born July 19, 1950, in New Berlin, NY. to Phyllis and Reginald Benton. His family lived in New York until Lee was 13, then they moved to a dairy farm in Shirley, Arkansas. Lee graduated Shirley High School in 1969. Shortly after graduation he joined the Navy. He did 23 years of service, two tours in Vietnam and one tour in Desert Storm.

Lee met his wife, Geneva, while stationed at NAS Dallas. they met in April and Married in December, he always told people, "Never say there is no such thing as love at first sight." Lee and Geneva would have celebrated 46 years in December.

After retiring from the navy, Lee worked for Presbyterian Hospital as the van driver, taking people to big Presby for appointments. In 1996 Lee opened a small pizza place in Scurry, Texas. For 23 years he served "The Famous 5 lb Supreme". Customers became more like family than patrons.

Lee lost his battle with lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis on November 11, 2025. With a dying breath he would tell me to tell everyone “Stop smoking".

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, 3 brothers, 2 sisters and 2 nephews.

Lee lived in Scurry for 34 years. He is survived by his wife, Geneva and two daughters, Jessica Schudalla and husband Billy of Lindale, Kelly Benton and her partner James of Scurry: two granddaughters, Angel Bass and Amber Horn and fiancé Josh Geibler. and his greatest pleasure 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers please buy someone you know that smokes a pack of Nicorette gum and give them support.