Obituary of Dwight Erskine Compton, Sr.

Dwight Erskin Compton, Sr. was called home on November 1, 2018.

A native of Cedar Grove, NC, he was born April 7, 1937 to James and Hazel Compton “in the house in which I live.” He lived by his faith. He believed in family, farming and bringing light to the lives of others, young and old. To know him was to love him, he was as quick with an opinion as he was with a joke. His hugs could swallow you up and his firm handshake was a testament to his strength.

Dwight was a 1957 graduate of Aycock High School and continued his education at Chowan College, where he played football. He has had a lifetime love for the Wolfpack of NCSU and completed his education as part of the first NCSU Agricultural Institute class. He has been married to the love of his life, Betty Baines Compton for 54 years and together they have raised two sons, Dec and Bob Compton, and many other young people who needed a place to call home, a soft bed, a warm meal or an encouraging word. He spent his life farming and shared his love of the land with his boys. He was a lifetime member of Cedar Grove UMC, where he shared his love for The Lord through teaching Sunday School, meeting with the Methodist Men and sharing his deep, melodic voice in the choir. Many have known him as Santa Claus, as he has been a helper of St. Nicholas for 52 years, gathering wish list and spreading holiday cheer all year long. He truly embodied the spirit of Santa, from the twinkle in his eye, to the way he made each child he met feel special and loved. He understood that children wanted love more than any toy they had requested. He will be missed by generations of “children” whose hopes and wishes were shared with him through the years.

His legacy is those who survive him. His wife, Betty Compton, and sons, Dec (Missy) Compton and Bob (Sylvia) Compton. Four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Stephanie), Eric, Tyler, and Lucy and one great-granddaughter, Hayden Compton. His younger brother, Paul Compton. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hazel and his older brother, Jim.

A memorial service was held Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 3pm at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church 5218 Efland-Cedar Grove Rd. Cedar Grove, NC 27231.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Grove UMC in his memory, at the above address.

The Compton family is under the care of Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough