Jerry Lee Compton

April 18, 1953 - January 8, 2021

Jerry Lee Compton, 67, of Abingdon, Va., passed away on Friday, January 8, 2021. He was born on April 18, 1953, in Welch, W.Va., the son of the late Leonard and Rosemary Stevens Compton.

Jerry was a stock broker for Merrill Lynch and later a Landman for Range Resources in Abingdon, Va. After retirement, Jerry found great joy tutoring high school students in Mathematics. Jerry was also a dedicated volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Children. Jerry felt that this work with CASA was a large part of his life's purpose.

Jerry was an extremely talented fine -woodworker, highly inspired by the clean lines of Mid- Century Modern and Asian style furniture. Jerry was a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and has shown his work at the William King Art Museum. Jerry had many incredible interests including Pottery, Archery, Violin, Danish Cord Weaving and Native American Style Flute Making.

Jerry's greatest joy came from his wife, Lynn and his daughter, Emily. Lynn and Emily balanced his life and his heart. He expressed intense love for them both. Jerry loved talking about the elaborate and hilarious games that he and Emily would play when she was a little girl. Speaking of these times would bring such a smile to his face and such a twinkle to his wonderful blue eyes.

Jerry was so very proud of his son Nicholas' service in the military and in Iraq. Jerry spoke many times about how proud he was of Nick for his service in Iraq as an Army Capatain in The JAG Corp. He was also very proud of Nick for graduating from Law school and becoming a Lawyer.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Lynn Compton of Abingdon, Va.;one son, Nicholas Compton of Martinsburg, W.Va.; one daughter, Emily Compton and partner, Randy, of Abingdon, Va.; and one sister, Barbara Mahan and husband, Larry, of Athens, Ala. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Gloria and Missy.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring during the William King Museum of Art exhibition: Mastering Craft May 27-September 12. The date and time of the Celebration of Life is TBD and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made in Jerry's honor to CASA (checks can be written to People Incorporated (with Donation for CASA in the memoline) mailed to People Incorporated, 1173 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210

Also, donations in Jerry's honor can be made in support of the Friends of the William King Arts Center. Contributions should be sent to The Jerry Compton Fund, William King Museum of Art, P.O. Box 2256, Abingdon, VA 24212.

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Published by Bristol Herald Courier from Jan. 16 to Jan. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerry Compton

Sponsored by Advantage Funeral and Cremation Services.

11 Entries

Danielle Heaster Kendall

April 21, 2021

Dear Emily & Nick -
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I'll always remember Uncle Jerry as a funny, smart and kind person. He was very talented as well. I have great memories of him.

Barbara Compton Mahan

January 18, 2021

I am Jerry´s big sister, and though my heart is broken at his passing, i know that he is at peace and that the end of suffering has come for him. I did not know about my brothers´ illness until he was already a few months into the treatment. That was his way, he didn´t want to worry me or burden me. He did speak with me about a month before he passed and he told me He had had a wonderful life, and he brought to my memory how our other two sisters had passed at the ages of 14 and 3 years old and that he felt blessed to have had a long happy life.

The things I remember mostly about Jerry was his incredible intelligence, I still believe he was a genius in many ways. When we were kids he was the kid who liked taking things apart and putting them back together again. He used to say he wanted to be a brain surgeon when he grew up. He was an incredible speaker and actor, in High School he did a play with just one character....Himself. He won the West Va oratorical contest in High School and was given the keys to the city of Charleston W VA by the mayor. He had many skills and talents, many he acquired later in life. I´ll never forget when we were growing up our bedrooms were adjacent to each other, I would call out a word and he would spell it immediately backwards. I always looked up to him and wished I could be more like him.

Due to the illness of our little sister who had Cystic Fibrosis, my parents were not able to attend my wedding in 1976, but Jerry stepped up to the plate and gave me away, I will never forget walking down the isle and all the single girls there watching him....he was such a handsome young man.

Jerry adored our little sister Missy and she adored him, he would sit and play games with her for hours and he loved entertaining her and making her laugh. Her death in 1976 was extremely hard on him. I know they are together now.

Jerry found his soulmate in his wonderful wife, they had years of deep love and exploring the things they enjoyed together. I could not be happier in that he found the love of his life and was very happy, she was his rock and soft place to fall.

Emily and Nick I am so sorry for your loss, I know how much he loved both of you and was so very proud of you and all your accomplishments in life. I know how much you will miss him.

Rest In Peace my little "Poncho", I love you so much.

Pat Townsend Spear

January 17, 2021

Lyn so sad to hear the news. I have been praying for you and Ruth. May God´s peace fill your heart and mind.

Rhonda Compton macfarland

January 17, 2021

I'm a 1st cousin .we were only together a few times in our lives as kids. My father Sid Compton and family lived in MD and only came once a yr to grandparents..this is a example of families gone by us. I see Jerry in my minds eye as a young man and now I see him as a wonderful father and husband. And a happy loved life .. Gone too fast cousin.. God be with your family and angels stay close to your loved ones.. RIP.

John snd Donna Lynn Puckett

January 17, 2021

We are so sorry to hear of Jerry´s passing. We will be praying for you and your family.
John worked with Jerry at Range Resources.

Irene Compton Smith

January 16, 2021

So sorry to hear this news. Jerry was a first cousin. We lived in Md and due to distance we never saw much of one another. But how sweet he was and enjoyed the time we spent together . Peace and love be with his family. Xo

Ruth Coe

January 16, 2021

We are so saddened by the loss of Jerry. He was a wonderful, talented person as well as a great son-in-law. He loved Lynn with all of his heart and told me this every time we talked. Lynn will miss him terribly,

Kathy Wright

January 16, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. Much love and prayers.

Shawnee Jessee

January 16, 2021

Emily, I´m so sorry for your loss! May God comfort you and your family during this difficult time! You are in my thoughts and prayers! If you need anything, please reach out to me! With deepest sympathy, Shawnee Jessee

Shanna Berry

January 16, 2021

I am saddened to hear of Jerry´s passing. I knew through real estate for many years. He was so intelligent and we always had great conversations. His smile and character were one of a kind. Much love and prayers from the entire Berry family during this difficult time.

Evelyn Taylor

January 16, 2021

Lynn,
This is a BEAUTIFUL Obit. You did a Wonderful Job! Love & Prayers!!
Aunt Evelyn

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