Gail H. Compton

I had Doctor Compton for an expository writing class at the University of Tennessee in 1973--fantastic instructor, among the very best I ever had.

My Dearest Gail,

We met in St. Augustine, Florida in 1975.

You owned and drove a green 1974(?) Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. You lived on the island, not far from the Bridge of Lions. You smoked. Your hair was blond and curly. Your eyes were blue.

I asked you to show me your doctoral thesis,
and you did. Your thesis was entitled The
Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne.

We sat together outside and on the steps
of old buildings and...

I have just learned about Dr. Compton's passing in the Flagler College Alumni magazine. My heart is broken. I have thought about her so much since my graduation in 1987. Her passion for 18th Century literature was enormous and that enthusiasm came through in the class she taught, which became my passion too. There was something special about Dr. Compton and I feel so privileged to have had her as a teacher for so many English classes while at Flagler but also to have had her as my mentor.

I offer my condolences to Gail's family. Her nature columns were delightful and her nature walks insightful. I loved her enthusiasm.

I will remember her as the kind woman who took in baby squirrels that were left behind. She was an interesting woman to talk with.

Dr. Compton's classes @ Flagler were always fun, vibrant and lively. I'll always remember her Volvo coupe she drove around town. She was a kind and caring soul, and will be greatly missed.

Gail wrote the most wonderfully literate nature column for the paper, which I always looked forward to reading. I still hope they will be collected in book form for the pleasure of future readers.
I remember the grand opening of the Lightkeepers House in the 1980s, after a decade of hard work by the Junior Service League. As part of the program, Gail gave nature tours of the grounds, and Gamble Rogers played music. Now they are both gone, leaving positive memories behind.

I always looked forward to Gail's column in the Record. I'm so glad she shared her interests and knowledge with us.

her love and knowledge of nature was awesome. So was her curiosity, her positive attitude, and eagerness to share, teach, and inspire.