John E. Compton, 89, peacefully passed from his earthly to his eternal home, February 25, 2023, with his loving family by his side. This Godly gentleman was a faithful husband, loving father, and doting grandfather who stood firm in his Christian beliefs and did not waver when faced with adversity. God blessed John, his family, and those who were fortunate to have known him.
John Ervin Compton was born in Fairfax, SC, June 1, 1933, to the late Manning Dee and Flossie Knight Compton. John was the youngest son of seven children. Siblings James Compton, Manning Compton, Wallace Compton. Dorothy Parks, and Lucia McAlhaney predeceased John. Gloria Ray (James) of Pleasant Garden, NC, survives him.
John honorably served as a 3rd Class Machinist Mate on the USCGC Ingham, a 327-foot Cutter, which has been decommissioned and is now part of the Coast Guard museum in Key West, Florida.
John had a phenomenal mechanical mind. He worked as a machine operator for Cone Mills in Greensboro, NC, before taking a position with Western Electric in Alabama. He eventually moved back to Greensboro and worked as an engineer for AMP Inc., which later became Tyco Electronics.
John met and married the love of his life, the late Sarah Rone Compton. They were happily married for 47 years until she passed in 1998. Their love created sons, John Timothy Compton (Vicky) of Fuquay Varina, NC, and Thomas Mark Compton (Kimberly) of Harrisburg, NC; grandchildren, Dr. John Christopher Compton (Kelly), Brandon Thomas Compton (Emily), Jordan Mark Compton, Bethany Kristyn Compton, Kimberly Ashtyn Eads (Ryan); and great-grandchildren, Rainey Kathryn Compton, Piper Rose Compton, and Asher Grey Eads.
What a legacy, what a life.
However, God was not through with John. He brought Ruth Newman Jenkins into his life. John and Ruth Compton were married 23 years. John had more than enough love to give to his new blended family including stepchildren, Tammy Hemric (Marty) of Cherry Grove, SC, Karen Lewis (Brent) of Pleasant Garden, NC, Mitch Jenkins of Siler City, NC; step-grandchildren, Darin Boswell (Stephanie & Christopher), Alisha Spencer, Heath Hemric (Yup Ming Liu), Seth Hemric (Rowe), Justin Hemric (Lea), Tara Jenkins, Brandon Lewis, Micah Jenkins, and Katie Lewis; and step-great-grandchildren Jayden Ortiz, Joel Ortiz, Jensen Ortiz, Charlotte Hemric and Ying Yue Hemric.
John touched many lives deeply and meaningfully. He and Ruth had a senior adult ministry with weekly visits to area nursing homes and assisted living centers singing hymns, holding Bible devotions and celebrating resident birthdays.
Our hearts break from the loss of his presence, but they burst from the love God poured out through John’s life.
John’s funeral will be held at 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Grace Christian Fellowship, 1223 State Highway 57 North, Little River, SC,29566. Pastor Leon Webber and the Rev. Mike Merritt will officiate the service.
He will be laid to rest next to Sarah 1:00PM on Wednesday March 1st, at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, NC, 27407. Elder Willie Bennett will preside. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home at Guilford Memorial Park.
The family would like to convey their appreciation to the North Strand Senior Adult Center staff and drivers in Little River for all of their wonderful support. John loved his games of BINGO, but most of all, he loved the people.
In addition, the family is humbled by the compassionate care the nursing staff of Promedica Hospice rendered to John and his family. Their patience and care was Heaven sent. Thank you Randy, Lynn, Windy and everyone else from this phenomenal team.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Promedica Hospice - 2050 Corporate Centre Dr. Unit 220, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
