William L. Compton

William "Bill" Lawrence Compton, 86, of Fayetteville, Ark., passed away peacefully in his home on Aug. 6, 2012. He was born on May 30, 1926, in Springdale, Ark., to Minnie Whitlow Compton and John Milton Compton. Mr. Compton was proud to be a United States Army veteran who served in Japan with the 25th Infantry Division during World War II. He had a passion for music throughout his life, playing snare and tympani drums in the University of Arkansas Razorback Band, the U.S. Army Band, several community bands through the years and as a member of the Professors Dixieland Band in Fayetteville in his later years. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in business in 1950, and owned and operated Peter Pan Cleaners in Fayetteville for many years. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Central United Methodist Church, the Lions Club and the Elks Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sally Ray Chastain Compton; and his half-brother, John Rodgers. He is survived by his wife, Jo Anne Stanberry Compton; his two daughters, Mary Carol Lancaster and husband, Donn, of Richmond, Va., Judy Ann Smith and husband, Clifford, of North Little Rock, Ark.; his son, Lawrence Ray Compton and wife, Pamela, of Farmington, Ark.; his three stepdaughters, Sandra Christopher, Carin Evans, and Nancy Keen and husband, Randy; two stepsons, Scott Stanberry and wife, Shawn, Stanley Stanberry and wife, Shannon; 20 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. A private family service will be held. The family wishes to express special thanks to Sandra, Carin and Nancy for the special loving care you showed to Bill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peace At Home Family Shelter, P.O. Box 10946, Fayetteville, AR 72703. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.nelsonberna.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home & Crematory of Fayetteville.