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In 2010, J. Denny Compton '34 received the Distinguished Service Award. |
The Randolph-Macon College community mourns the loss of J. Denny Compton ’34, who died November 21, 2011 at the age of 99. He was the oldest living R-MC alumnus on record.
Compton earned his B.S. in chemistry from Randolph-Macon College in 1934. As a student, he was a member of Chi Beta Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa and the Kappa Alpha Order. He also played on the college’s football and baseball teams. In addition, Compton was president of his senior class, vice president of the student body and a member of the Franklin Debate Society and the Walter Hines Page Club.
A Ronceverte, West Virginia native, Compton taught at Fairfax High School for several years before beginning a 41-year career with the DuPont Company. He retired in 1977 and was an avid golfer and gardener.
“Denny Compton was a Yellow Jacket through and through,” said R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren. “He was passionate about his alma mater and supported the college in so many ways. Those of us lucky enough to have crossed his path were touched by his sense of humor and his generous spirit.”
In 2009, The Compton Family Scholarship was created. This scholarship honors the many members of the Compton family who have attended Randolph-Macon, including William Compton, Class of 1906, and his five children: Archie ’30, Denny ’34, William Jr. ’35, as well as Frank Compton and Lloyd Compton. In addition, his great-granddaughter, Leslie Johnson, graduated from R-MC in 2005.
In 2010, Compton was the recipient of the Society of Alumni’s Distinguished Service Award. R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren presented the award to Compton at his home in Wilmington, Delaware.
Compton is survived by daughters Carol Compton Whiteley and Diane Compton John; grandchildren Laura John, Leslie Johnson, Elizabeth Whiteley, and Andrew Whiteley, and great-grand son Emmitt Johnson. Funeral services took place on Friday, November 25 at Chandler's Funeral home in Wilmington, Delaware.