Obituary of Thomas Vincent Compton

Mebane, North Carolina – Thomas (“Tom”) Vincent Compton, of Mebane, North Carolina peacefully entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 19, 2023, surrounded by beloved family. A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Walker’s Funeral Home (304 W. Center Street, Mebane, NC 27302), followed by a celebration of his glorious life at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Crossroads Presbyterian Church (3302 N. NC Highway 119, Mebane, NC 27302).

Born in Mebane, North Carolina, Tom was the youngest child of the late Pauline Vincent Compton and Howard Mercer Compton. He graduated from Orange High School, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (undergraduate) and Sacred Heart University (business school) and worked for many years as an executive in the pharmaceuticals/biotech industry, residing in San Diego, California for more than two decades.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Trudy Kale Compton. Tom is survived by his two sons, a daughter-in law, a granddaughter, and an older sister. His eldest son, Andrew Christopher Compton, and his wife Deborah Papworth, live in New York, New York and are parents to Amélie Grace Papworth Compton. His youngest son Philip Kale Compton lives in Mebane, North Carolina. In addition, Tom is survived by his older sister and lifelong friend Patricia Compton, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

A lover of travel, conversation, sartorial flair, and his Tarheels, and with a deep Christian faith conviction, Tom lived a life of compassion and service. It was glorious to witness his ability to connect with and support those who were most in need. Well done on a life well-lived to a good and faithful servant. You will be greatly missed by your family and friends. We love you and look forward to seeing you “somewhere over the rainbow”. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tom’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org; (800) 822-6344).