Emmett was born on February 1, 1944, to Marion and Joyce Compton in Greenwood, South Carolina. He and his three younger sisters, Audrey, Fran and Beth resided in South Carolina during their childhood. After graduating from Beaufort High School, Emmett went on to complete his degree in History at Northwestern University while participating in the ROTC program.
He graduated in 1966 then served as an officer in the Navy for four years with a year spent in Vietnam. He then moved to Jacksonville, FL where he began his 30 plus year career at Prudential Insurance Company and met his wife, Melanie Adams Compton. Over their 52-year marriage, Emmett and Melanie were blessed with four children, Stuart (Kristy) Compton, Allison (Brandon) Phillips, Melanie Anne Carter and Elizabeth (Brian) Wakefield who gave them 20 beloved grandchildren.
Emmett truly appreciated good music, raising animals, working on his property, Gator football and a good laugh. But what he was most passionate about was his family. In addition to his immediate family, he also had close relationships with his brothers and sisters in law as well as his numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Emmett’s peaceful nature, sense of humor, humble spirit and work ethic are just a few of the things that will be deeply missed by those who love him. He didn’t have to ever preach a sermon for others to clearly see the fruit of God’s spirit which was so evident in his life day after day.
Services will be held at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Ocala, FL on Saturday, June 29th, with visitation starting at 10 am and the Celebration of Life service beginning at 11 am. Graveside services will follow at Forest Lawn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Education for Life (Women’s Pregnancy Center) in Ocala, FL, an organization Emmett and Melanie support. You can donate at educationforlife.org/give
