SURF CITY - Ted R. Compton, 73, peacefully passed away at sunrise at his home in Surf City on Aug. 23. A native of Kentucky, he grew up in Eastern Kentucky and attended Boyd County High School and later graduated from The University of Kentucky. It was at UK that he met the love of his life, Denise Reller, and the two were married shortly after they both graduated.
Ted and Denise began their married life living in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked for Cincinnati Milacron. He attended Xavier University for his Masters and later earned his Phd from the University of Cincinnati. In 1977, Ted moved his family to Athens, Ohio, where he began his tenure and his love for teaching as an accounting professor at Ohio University. He would raise his family, live and teach in Athens for the next 25 years until his semi-retirement from Ohio University in 2002 and subsequent move to Surf City, North Carolina. He continued teaching part-time as an MIS professor until 2012 when he officially retired from Ohio University.
Ted is remembered for his love of sports, gardening, travel and his devotion to his family. He was an ever present figure in his daughters' lives and began coaching their basketball and softball teams as soon as they were able to play. Ted and Denise never missed an event and continually supported their daughters throughout their upbringing. Ted had a great sense of humor and was a friend to many.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife of 50 years, Denise; his daughters, Sheri Compton Hovey and husband Jeff; Nicole Compton Blackwell and husband Carl; his grandchildren, Cole and Shane Hovey, River and Tristan Blackwell; and his brother, Jim Compton and wife Barbara.
The family will receive friends and family anytime from 1-4 p.m., Sunday, August 28, 2016, at The Surf City Welcome Center in Surf City, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ted's memory may be made online to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration http://www.theaftd.org/ or checks payable to the Athens County Education Award, c/o Ohio University Foundation, PO Box 869, Athens, Ohio, 45701.
Condolences may be sent to www.andrewsmortuary.com, Andrews Mortuary Hampstead Chapel.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Athens Messenger from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ted Compton

Sponsored by Andrews Mortuary and Crematory - Market Street Chapel - Wilmington.

20 Entries

John Compton

February 21, 2025

I miss you uncle Ted. I love you.

Joan Hillman

August 18, 2024

I remember and cherish my friendship with Ted. He was an amazing person. Dr e

Connie Norway-Phillips

January 22, 2017

Denise and girls. I was just told about Ted by a former student. I am so sorry. I always loved working with Ted and talking to you to coordinate his life.

I do not take the paper so that must be how I missed the post. Please know that I think of you and the girls and know that Ted was so close to both girls (or ladies) sorry I can't think of them as grown women.

Please know that all of us know he was a tremendous man and I truly enjoyed working with him. Sorry I am so late.

October 4, 2016

Denese i know this is very late ]lease forgive jim snd i we are not computer or facebook people no excuse we ate in panama city eith my sister and brother in law and asked them to find teds obituary. So a month later im reading it it is very nice ted wss a eonderful person well never forget staying at uour house in athens and went to watch nicki play fast pitch she was so good please send our love to the girls and their fsmily love jim and sheila

James Bruning

September 4, 2016

Marlene and I were so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. Our deepest sympathies to you, Denise, and everyone in your family. Ted's contributions to the Athens community, especially in softball, are still being appreciated. The same is true of his remarkable career as a faculty member at Ohio University. He truly will be missed by all in the Athens and Ohio University communities. Marlene and Jim Bruning

August 29, 2016

God bless and comfort you Denise and family.

I was one of the guys that lived with Ted at the "Old Green Flop House" at the corner of Maxwell and Aylesford Place in Lexington. None of us had any extra money, but we sure had great times together. Ted was always a fun guy, but kept his focus on academics--at times. I remember when he made an 85 and 90 on two physics tests, and we all celebrated! Ted talked me into attending Xavier University to get my MBA, and I will always be grateful for that conversation. I am sure, that was just one of the many positive contributions to peoples' lives that Ted made throughout his life.

Otis Damron
Scottsdale, AZ

Diane McCord

August 28, 2016

Denise, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time We didn't know Ted very well but I can remember how you talked about him with such love.

Diane and Ron McCord

John Compton

August 27, 2016

Sometimes my mind drifts back to that Old Kentucky Home. I remember how things used to be. life was simple then, easy and carefree. Mammaw and pappaw my cousins my family. we walked the hills on a Bluegrass Paradise. Living For The Moment never thought you'd say goodbye. So Long Farewell there's so much to tell you until we meet again. now I know you'll never ever be alone. with wings of your own. I can see your smiling face what an amazing grace

Michael Brawley

August 27, 2016

Denise and Family,
I was sorry to learn of Ted's passing. I have many fond memories helping Ted coach Sherry and Nicki in Little League when you lived in Athens. May God bless you all.

Rob Compton

August 25, 2016

Ted will be forever missed, but always in our memories. I was always struck with the love between Ted and Denise. He also inspired me to be a better father, because of his devotion to his daughters. I'm so thankful for our family and all the memories. I love you all

August 25, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God keep you and bless you. Prayers and peace from Callie Ellis(cousin) daughter of Tom Ellis, in Columbus, OH.

Kim Ellis McDaniel

August 25, 2016

So sorry to hear of Ted's passing. My condolences to the family.

Jim Everman

August 25, 2016

Very, very sorry to hear of Ted's passing. Ted and I were members of the "cliff-dwellers gang" at the old house on Maxwell street during our UK days. Great memories of Ted's leadership of an otherwise totally disorganized bunch of college kids. My thoughts and prayers are with Denise and family.

mary kibler

August 25, 2016

so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. you are in my thoughts and prayers.cherish your memories.he still lives in our hearts as long as we remember him. may God give you strength and comfort. love you, mary ellis kibler (ted's cousin)

Lee Mackey

August 25, 2016

I have great memories of Dr. Compton dancing "The Twist" at all of the Bungalow weddings. He was a incredible man who took great pride in his daughters.

Mary Patacca

August 25, 2016

Dr Compton was my professor in 2000, when I got my MBA, and acted as my advisor for my thesis. He was a kind and thoughtful man. Many sympathies to his loved ones.

Zella Kosa

August 25, 2016

Dear Denise and family,

I am so sorry to hear about Ted's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am one of Ted's first cousins on Claudia's side of the family.

August 25, 2016

Denise and family. Ed and I are so sorry to hear about your loss. We have great memories of our shared times. Lynne and ed

Lynn Colpo

August 24, 2016

Dr. Compton was a true gentleman, a phenomenal dad and husband and a wonderful professor. He positively touched my life and I will miss his genuine style. He was truly loved by all who knew him. Love and hugs to the family.

Joan Hillman

August 24, 2016

To Denise, Sherry and Nicky, and all his grandchildren,

Ted will always be with you in spirit. He is someone I am so proud and pleased to have known for fity years. Memories will become your comfort. For those of us who have known him, we will always celebrate his life.

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