Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
David Compton Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
David was born in Bowling Green, KY in 1954 to the late Kenneth and Ruth (Bishop) Compton. He graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1972 with varsity letters in football, basketball and golf. He attended WKU, was a fraternity member of SAE, and graduated in 1976 with teaching and coaching degrees. He then found his passion for tennis after college.
David wore many hats within the tennis industry over the last 40 years. As a player winning 16 Southern Senior titles, 8 Boat Club Invitationals, and a USTA League National Championship. David's greatest honor was being inducted into the Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013. He was also a coach and teaching pro of teams, adults, and kids. David was extremely proud of what he and friends accomplished by bringing the KY Adult Closed Tournament back to prominence in the area.
When he wasn't on the court, David loved to travel and spend time with his family. He hiked extensively throughout Europe and parts of the Appalachian Trail. David adored his two dogs Shep and Buddy.
He is survived by his daughters, Kelly Shircliff (Adam) and Kate Roney (Bobby); his sisters, Kendra Howell (David) and MaryAnn Isenberg (Larry); and his grandchildren, Caroline Shircliff and Nash and Brynn Vogel.
A memorial visitation for David will be from 12 Noon until 2 pm (with a memorial service at 2 pm) on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road. 40205. Burial of ashes will take place in Bowling Green at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to KY Humane Society, 1000 Lyndon Lane Suite B, Louisville, KY 40222.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Bill Bohannon
June 17, 2025
So saddened to hear of David´s passing.
My deepest sympathies to Kendra & Mary Ann & family.
From play school to high school , we grew up competing and playing with and against each other. Baseball , basketball football , golf. You name it we played it.
David was a great baseball pitcher, mean curveball. In fact I can only remember being hit by a pitch by one pitcher: David. ...and that was in practice when we played for the little league Pet Milk Red Sox. Fierce competitor? Of course. Great control . Absolutely! He knew where that ball was going. I was crowding the plate
Great athlete yes, but an even greater person. So smart, with a keen sense of humor. But what always stood out was his kindness.and his Caring.
When I heard he became a Hall of Fame tennis coach,, I wasn´t surprised at all. Just proud. It made perfect sense.
Job well done, David. Life well-lived. Gone too soon.
Rest in peace dear friend.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
RC Scheinler
June 14, 2025
Tough week for tennis legends in Kentucky. This one hit hard!
Great competitor
Great coach
Great ambassador for the sport
Great player
Great teammate
Great friend
Dave you will be missed!
Rex Ecarma
June 13, 2025
Coach Compton, you will be missed by many. Your impact and influence will continue for many years to come. You have made our tennis community better and we will always appreciate your contribution. You are a good man, Dave. You always wanted to help others especially through your coaching.
Sincerely, Coach Rex Ecarma
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
3331 Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY 40205
Make a Donation
in David Compton's name
People and places connected with David
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Compton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored anonymously