William was born in Keo Arkansas to Ravel and Eva (Malone) Compton.
He was a sergeant in the 173rd airborne brigade, second armor division during the Vietnam war.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn Compton and 4 daughters: Tammy Cook (Bobby) of Vilonia, Tina Butcher (Scott) of Concord, North Carolina, Amanda Baxley (Daniel) of Benton, Amber Sakevicius (Kevin) of Conway; sister Mary Cook (John) of Cleveland, Texas; 12 grandchildren: Rheanna Butcher, Bethany Stubbe (Andrew),Tabby Butcher, Zach Butcher, Samantha Baxley, Page Samuels, Tony Butcher, David Baxley, Joe Cook, Emma Baxley, Emilee Cook, Logan Sakevicius ; and 2 Great-grandchildren: Stella Stubbe and Saffy Butcher; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside Memorial will be held at the Veterans Cemetery at a later date.