Will Ed Compton, Jr.

Bill and Sue married after meeting at Cardin’s drive-in. Sue created a warm and comfortable home and made most of the household decisions—a dynamic Bill appreciated. Bill was the true MacGyver, spending his free time fixing things around the homestead. Sue had ensured Bill would not have to worry about any future decisions, lovingly preparing for his well-being before her official dementia diagnosis. Bill was faithfully and loyally by her side, rarely leaving home, and thereby allowing them to remain safely in place together.

Following Sue’s passing in 2022, Bill’s youngest granddaughter, Karly, moved in to keep him company and oversee his daily needs. Her dog, Luna, quickly became another of Bill’s cherished companions. He enjoyed tossing a ball to Luna from his porch swing and sharing bits of his supper in the evenings. His affection for dogs was evident, as he always kept treats in his legendary El Camino, ready to offer any canine friend a biscuit.

After Karly’s marriage, her husband and their son soon joined them filling his home, again, with love and companionship.

Born on October 20, 1935, Bill was the eldest child of Will Ed Compton, Sr. and Irene Compton-Williford. He served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic, a trade that became his lifelong passion and profession. Bill loved tinkering with engines and spent countless hours in his garage after retirement.

His adventurous spirit earned him the nickname “Wild Willy,” exemplified by stories such as walking over the high arches of the historic Rainbow Bridge in Mascot, near his childhood home. He could also ride a bicycle backwards.

Bill was known for his loving nature, kindness and humor. He cherished Christ, his family, seeing the good in people, snacks, anything with an engine, animals and other simple pleasures. He was content with little and always looked forward to another chance to “take a ride around the block.”

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the employees of Food City at 7510 Asheville Highway, especially those in the bakery and deli, for their kindness during Bill’s visits later in life.

Thanks are also extended to his care team with University of Tennessee Hospice in addition to his caregivers, friends, staff and neighbors at Trinity Hills Senior Living.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, parents, step-father Jake Williford; brothers-in-law R. E. "Bud" Hale, Tommy Kenneth Hale, Alan Morgan and Charles "Pop" Wright; sisters-in-law Sally Navetta and Alyene Hale; nephew Kenney Hale.

He is survived by his daughter Deanene “GiGi” and son-in-law, Tom Catani; granddaughters, Karly (Luis) Padilla, Ciarra (Bryan) Meeker, and Cate (Eric) Robertson; grandsons, Kellen (Callie) Catani, and Matthew (Stephanie) Catani; great-grandchildren, Jose Luis Padilla III, Amelia Sue and Silas Meeker, Ethan and Everett Robertson, Sofia and Naomi Catani and Luca Catani.

Family and friends will gather to honor the life of Bill at McCarty-Evergreen Funeral Home, 7426 Asheville Highway, Knoxville, TN 37924, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, with a visitation at 10:30am, and a funeral service to follow at 11:30am, interment will follow at Thorngrove Cemetery, 721 S. Carter School Rd., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871, Rev. Bob Province to officiate the services.