Paul Allen Compton

Paul Allen Compton, 93, died Friday, August 27, 2010, at St. Mary's Hospice House after an illness following a broken hip.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Chatham Compton, after 62 years of marriage.

Mr. Compton lived at his home in Athens with the help of his caregiver and best friend, Judy Hicks, for the last six years. He had remained active up until his fall and enjoyed life. He wanted all his family, caregiver, friends and former customers to know how much he appreciated them. Life was good for him!
Mr. Compton was born, the oldest of five siblings, in Madison County on October 17, 1916, the son of the late Thomas Norman and Hassie Mae Wood Compton. He completed Comer High School and was his class Valedictorian. He received a scholarship to the University of Georgia, but due to the times, he worked on his family farm and later was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country valiantly in World War II.

Mr. Compton began memberships in the VFW, AMVETS, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 767 and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 790 where he volunteered time, energy and money on all their veterans and charitable projects. He had been recognized as the "Volunteer of the Year" in the Georgia Elks, where his favorite project was the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville, for many years. He was also a "Paul Harris Fellow" of Rotary International. Mr. Compton was co-owner of Compton & Shiver Office Equipment on Baxter Street for 21 years. In addition to the office supply products he was known for sales and service of Electrolux products. He was well known and respected throughout the eight county area his company served. He was an active member of the Lions Club before retiring from business in 1986. Mr. Compton was a devout Christian and active member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church for 60 plus years and had served as a deacon of the church.

Survivors include a son, Allen Norwood Compton (Ashley), their children Babbett Keilar (Scott), Chip Duncan (Jennifer), and grandchildren Gavin Keilar, Alex and Abby Duncan. He is also survived by a daughter, Karen Compton Benton (Tommy), their children Jeff Farrell (Gina), Zach Evans, Thomas Benton, Jr. (Teri), Leigh Ann Benton Weaver and grandchildren Sam Weaver and Thomas Wayne Benton.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 1, at 11 a.m., from the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Ricketts officiating. Burial will be in the Meadow Baptist Church Cemetery in Comer. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, August 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, September 1, from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for Memorials to be made to the Prince Avenue Baptist Church, 2131 Ruth Jackson Rd., Bogart, GA 30677 or St. Mary's Hospice, 1660 Jennings Mill Rd., Bogart, GA 30622

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.