Michael Knox Compton Sr.

Michael Knox Compton Sr. lived well, laughed often, and loved much. A lawyer, a CPA, and a businessman, he was born on April 27, 1951 to Betty Gibson Compton and the late Jack Compton. He died on May 15, 2012 at his home, with friends and family at his side. He was 61. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Compton. He is survived by his ever beautiful and amazing mother, Betty Gibson Compton of Fayetteville; by his son, Michael Knox Compton Jr. and Michael's wife, Robyn of Little Rock; by two grandsons that he adored, Ford Compton and Spencer Compton of Little Rock; by his brother, John and John's wife Kristin of Little Rock; by his sister, Virginia Compton, of Fayetteville; by his brother, Jim and Jim's wife Belinda of Fayetteville; by Melissa's sister, Carol and her husband, Fred Belote; and by his soulmate, best friend, and the love of his life, Melissa Compton of Little Rock. He will be deeply missed by each of them, as well as by his big loving extended family and an eclectic group of friends. Mike and Melissa were married just under 27 years, and theirs was a fairytale relationship. Self confessed "cruise-a-holics," they took 31 cruises during their marriage. Mike frequently said, "heaven on earth is being alone on a cruise with Melissa." While there can be no favorite cruise, two stand out: his cruise with Melissa in April of 2012, which was his gentle way of telling her goodbye, and the cruise he and Melissa took with Spencer and Ford, who loved being on a trip with Pop and Missy. Family and friends always came first to Mike, but the game of bridge ran a close second. A Silver Life Master, he was instrumental in building Little Rock's new Curtis Finch Bridge House, and served on its board of directors. On May 21, 2012, a room in The Bridge House was named for and dedicated to Mike Compton. Mike's family extends their gratitude to many people along their journey from diagnosis to death, but especially to the following: Dr. Bill Tranum, who guided them to Dr. Joe Beck; Dr. Joe Beck, and his entire staff, who made sure that Mike lived and died with his dignity intact; Dr. Dan Dillard, who checked on Mike and Melissa daily; and the angel who lives next door, Dr. Jane Evans. Mike held these people in deep regard. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2012, at Trapnall Hall (where the fairy tale with Melissa began), 423 East Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, from 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Friends of the Animal Village, 2914 Millbrook Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72227 www.friendsoftheanimalvillage.org; to The Bridge House, 7415 Indiana Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72202; or to the donor's choice. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.