Wilburn Compton

Mr. James Wilburn Compton, 94, a resident of Brantley, Alabama, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, August 13, 2020. A graveside service for Mr. Compton will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, August 15th, in Mt. Ida Cemetery with Rev. Richard Holmes officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

As a member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Compton proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. As a member of the 79th Infantry Division, he participated in the European Theater against Germany and Italy. He was captured by the Nazis during the Battle of the Bulge, and spent the rest of his time there as a prisoner of war until the camp was liberated. He faced true horrors like few others while imprisoned, but was fortunate to escape with his life and mind intact.

After the war, Mr. Compton became a carpenter, and had a hand in building most of the houses in Brantley and Luverne until his retirement. In his free time, he loved being outdoors either farming or gardening. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He lived for the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, for they were his world. He was an incredible role model for his family throughout his lifetime, and he will be sorely missed by all of them.

Mr. Compton was preceded in death by two wives, Dorothy Sybil Taylor Compton and Callie Lou Parrish Compton; daughter, Sybil Lou Bryan; parents, George and Carrie Lou Carnes Compton; and two siblings, Edna Vae Smith and George Gilmer Compton. He is survived by his three children, James Larry Compton, Eddie Carl (Diane) Compton, and Dorothy Helen (Marvin) Taylor; nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren; and his sister, Bradie Lou Hudson.

Active pallbearers will be James Taylor, Adam Bryan, Kenneth Bryan, Anthony Cook, Timothy Chance, and Tim Wells.