Alan Wesley Compton

COMPTON, Alan Wesley, passed away peacefully, with family by his side on August 24, 2023. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Jane Luther Compton and his daughter in law Terry Compton. He leaves behind his sons Jeff and Greg, a granddaughter, Casey Jane and four grandsons: Gene (Kelly) and children, Luke, Parker, and Grace; Garrett (Hali) their children Christian and Campbell; Ryan (Natalie) and children, Cecilia, Marie, and Matthijs; Sean and daughter Coraline. Alan was born and grew up in Garner, North Carolina. He received a Bachelor's in Radio and Television at the University of North Carolina. He would remain a devoted Carolina Tarheels basketball fan for the rest of his life. He was a disc jockey in Raleigh. In Wilmington he was both a TV newsman and host of a daytime variety show, until he was called to the ministry. In 1957, he began a three-year pastorate at Bethany Baptist Church in Baskerville, Va, while completing his Bachelor of Divinity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1960 Jane and Alan were appointed as missionaries to the Foreign (currently International) Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. After a year of language school in San Jose Costa Rica and three years in Santiago, Chile, the Compton's settled in Mexico City when Alan was appointed Director of Mass Media for Latin America and the Caribbean. In 1983 he became Global Media Consultant at the International Mission Board headquarters in Richmond. From 1989 until he retired in 1994, he served as the VP of Communications for the International Mission Board. Over the years he headed production of countless radio and television programs, as well as films aimed at intersecting the Gospel message of hope with culturally relevant psychological, familial, and social issues. Following his retirement, he worked with the Baptist General Association of Virginia as a consultant for Latino missions. He served as Derbyshire Baptist Church's part time minister of Pastoral Care for year, and was a longtime teacher of a Derbyshire Adult Sunday School Class. He and Jane sang in the Derbyshire choir for over 30 years. At Lakewood Retirement Community he was known for his direction of and participation in the Lakewood Players drama group, as well as leading a Saturday morning Bible Study. Alan constantly sought opportunities to share his faith through his many gifts and talents. He was a loving and understanding husband, father and grandfather. He is remembered by family and friends for his playfulness and love of music; an intuitive and caring demeanor, sharp intellect and wit, and an undying passion for Biblical study. The family would like to express profound gratitude to Lakewood's HSB Assisted Living and 2nd floor CNAs, Nurses, and Housekeeping team and the wonderful care and attention they gave to Alan over the last four years. Further thanks and deep gratitude for the dedicated and compassionate care delivered by the Medi Home Hospice team.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday September 16, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Lakewood Retirement Community 1900 Lauderdale Dr., Richmond, VA 23238. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Lakewood Benevolent Fund 3961 Stillman Parkway Glen Allen, VA 23060.