Background: Owner, Compton Excavating Company; fourth generation Rappahannock County resident; over the years has provided free excavation and construction services to area fire departments, churches, and residents; collector of antique tractors and autos; one daughter, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren; lives with his wife, Shirley, off Richmond Road in Amissville.

The Spark: I grew up in a house with nine siblings. My parents worked hard, but often there wasn’t a lot to go around. We had to be self-sufficient and contribute to the operation of the household. For example, we did not have running water, so as one of the younger children, I can remember bringing pail after pail of water into the house. I developed a strong work ethic at a young age and haven’t let up since.

Proudest Achievement: During my early teenage years, I started out working at a garage near our home, changing tires, greasing trucks, running the cash register, and pumping gas. I regret I never finished high school, but through a variety of jobs, I learned how to operate heavy equipment and started my own business. The garage I worked in as a kid is now my own shop, so I guess I’ve come full circle. Of course, my family,  daughter, grandkids, great grandkids, and Shirley, my wife of 59 years, give me great joy. I can remember courting Shirley at church tent meetings as if it were yesterday. In fact, we were married in a tent ceremony. That’s how a lot of young couples dated and got married back then.

Biggest Challenge: About six years ago, I came down with a life-threatening case of double pneumonia. I’d always been pretty healthy so this was a challenge I had never faced. I was in the intensive care unit for four days and another 10 days in the hospital. Lots of folks, many whom I hadn’t seen in a while, came to visit. It was touch and go in the ICU, but their prayers and the good Lord got me through it. At age 79, I’m still kicking just not as high.

Why It Matters: Pushing snow, grading roads — folks around here really depend on those services, especially during snowstorms and after heavy rains. I’ve always enjoyed helping people where I can. It makes me feel good. It is important to take care of your neighbors and help those in need.

Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: The mountains. I’ve lived here all of my life and I never get tired of looking at the mountains. The way of life in Rappahannock has changed a lot over the years but it still looks a lot like it did when I was growing up. That suits me just fine.

Foothills Forum is an independent, community-supported nonprofit tackling the need for in-depth research and reporting on Rappahannock County issues.

The group has an agreement with Rappahannock Media, owner of the Rappahannock News, to present this series and other award-winning reporting projects. More at foothillsforum.org.

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