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Gail Compton Obituary
Survivors include sister Marie Compton Auffant, of Atlanta, brother-in-law, Jose Auffant and sister-in-law, Jackie Compton,of Orlando.
Gail did post-graduate work at University of Florida,receiving a Ph.D.in 18th Century English Literature. She taught English at University of Tennessee for seven years and was managing editor of the Knoxville Magazine. Her career led her to her home state of Florida, where she joined the English Department at Flagler College in St.Augustine.She remained in St. Augustine for over 30 years. In St. Augustine,Gail worked as a wildlife rehabilitator.Claiming to be a lifelong environmentalist,Gail wrote a series of weekly nature columns for the St. Augustine Record for over 18 years. After retirement Gail joined the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum as a naturalist. Around 2002, Gait and Kathryn Grexa founded the wildflower meadow in The Shores. A reserve for native wildflowers. Her group of Wildflower Ladies put in many hours getting the meadow started and maintaining it to this day. There will be no services. Ashes will be spread at Favor Dykes Park,a place Gail often visited and loved.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gail Compton
Jerry Morelock
July 4, 2025
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.
Mic. J Palazzolo
July 16, 2019
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 houses on campus from
time to time and talked life. You told me
that you lost your beau to an accident.
I now wonder why you never married.
You disliked the way I wrote. No adjectives
or adverbs, too many commas, you would say.
I did not and do not like using adjectives
and adverbs. I like using commas.
I am old enough to remember you when you were young. I shall not forget you and wish you well on your journey home.
Love,
Mic.
Ellen (Miler) Folkman
January 15, 2019
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.
Beth Mansbridge
August 23, 2018
I offer my condolences to Gail's family. Her nature columns were delightful and her nature walks insightful. I loved her enthusiasm.
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Claire Compton Hart
August 19, 2018
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.
Stephen Thomas
August 18, 2018
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.
David Nolan
August 16, 2018
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.
Janet McNabb
August 16, 2018
I always looked forward to Gail's column in the Record. I'm so glad she shared her interests and knowledge with us.
cindy taylor
August 15, 2018
her love and knowledge of nature was awesome. So was her curiosity, her positive attitude, and eagerness to share, teach, and inspire.
Cheryl Donahue
August 14, 2018
Over the years that I knew Gail she taught me so much about our natural world. She always was enthusiastic about what we saw even if it was not unusual. I am so happy to have known her.
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