Richard Peter Compton

Richard Peter Compton unexpectedly went to heaven on November 24, 2025. He was born on May 13, 1958, in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso, Brazil, to missionary parents Charles Earl Compton, Jr. and Betsy Dunning Compton. Raised in Brazil, Richard developed a lifelong appreciation for people, conversation, and connection—traits that would define him throughout his life.

Richard was full of life and had the biggest heart. A strong yet quiet force, he had a way of making people feel seen. He would ask your life story at the very first dinner together and truly listen, even though his own story was endlessly interesting. Whether he was able to help solve a problem or simply sit and listen, Richard showed up; an ability likely perfected by raising girls.

He loved University of Alabama football, Porsches, airplanes, his boat, the lake, and long back-deck conversations, often accompanied by a glass of Canadian Club and Diet Coke. Those back-deck afternoons became the setting for countless meaningful discussions, laughter, and life lessons. Richard taught all of us not to fear our strength and to keep our boundaries. In a house full of girls and all the challenges that came with it, he made sure we knew our worth and encouraged us to let go of anyone who didn’t respect it.

Richard married the love of his life, Jill Compton, on October 18, 2003, in the mountains of Angel Fire, New Mexico. They shared 22 years, one month, and 16 days of marriage—every day a honeymoon. Together they built a full life rich with deep friendships, adventures, and resilience. Richard loved Jill with his whole being, and she was his perfect match.

He was a loving and devoted father to his daughter, Courtney Jo Cross, and a loving stepfather to Desirae Leigh Hickson and Danielle Nichole Reeves—his beloved “girls.” He proudly stood behind them through hard decisions, taught them to drive cars and boats, and supported them in every way he could. He was a deeply proud “Bampa” to his grandchildren, Kinsler Scott Reeves, Evelyn Rose Cullum, and Charli Mae Cullum, finding great joy in time spent with them. Some of the family’s most cherished memories include lake days filled with sun-drenched swims, wakeboarding, heartfelt conversations, and many lessons, along with Christmas morning brunches and long back-deck afternoons.

Richard is survived by his wife, Jill Compton; his daughters, Courtney (Lance) Cross, Desirae (Garrett Cullum) Hickson, and Danielle (Victor) Reeves; and his grandchildren, Kinsler Reeves, Evelyn Cullum, and Charli Cullum. He is also survived by his brothers, William (Jayne) Compton and John (Theresa) Compton; his stepsisters, Shelia (Mike) Frush and Shirley (Curtis) Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Betsy Compton; his sister, Virginia Compton; his stepfather, Gene Wise; his stepsister, Sandra Wise; and all of his grandparents, Charles Sr. and Myrtia Compton, and Henry and Daisy Dunning.

Richard wasn’t perfect—but he was perfect for his wife and his family. He loved his girls fiercely, lived fully, listened deeply, and left an undeniable mark on all who knew him. He is sorely and forever missed.