Joel Gene Compton, 85 of Carrabelle, FL, died on March 7, 2025.
At Mr. Compton’s request, no services will be held. A celebration of life with BBQ for all his friends in Florida and Illinois will be held.
Mr. Compton was born to Howard and Vera Fardell Compton on Oct. 25, 1939, in Walshville. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1957. He worked on his family farm through high school and after until he enlisted in the Army-101st Airborne. He served from 1958 to 1960. He later worked and retired from the container ports. He repaired trailers and was later promoted to shop manager.
Mr. Compton was able to design and weld anything that was needed for the job. He was a member of the International Aerospace and Machinist Union. He loved to hunt. While living in Illinois, he was a member of Shoal Creek Fox Hunters Association. After moving to Florida, he continued hunting and made many great friends.
Mr. Compton loved to make jerky and always shared with his fellow hunters, grandchildren and later his great-grandchildren. Other hobbies that he enjoyed included music. He could name the song, artist and the artist history. While his girls were young, he took them camping every weekend. He taught them how to fish (pole and trout line) and to row a boat and set up and maintain a campsite.
Gardening was also a favorite for Mr. Compton. He would usually grow too much, but he wanted to share with his friends and neighbors. His favorite time was spent teaching his great-grandchildren how to make homemade ice cream when they were visiting their ‘Florida Grandpa.’ He also loved to barbeque.
Mr. Compton leaves behind his wife, Elaine Hollandsworth Compton; daughters, Jo Ann Butcher, Mary Thomas, Susan Myers (Scott) and Dena Rowell (Joey); son, Brian White; six granddaughters; one grandson; six great-granddaughters, and four great-grandsons; siblings, Sue Spencer, Agnes Beavers, Fern Flitz, Myrna Moore (Roger), Cathy Elam, Lois Ely and Debbie Howells; brother-in-law, John Colvin; and close friends, Spencer and Olivia Massey and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Valenia Colvin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Skip and Trey Young, along with Paula and Kimberly are assisting the family with arrangements. 850-926-5919, www.familyfhc.com.
