Thomas Ransom Compton

Dr. Thomas Ransom Compton, 71, of Biloxi passed away on Friday, August 1st. Thomas was born in Biloxi, MS and was a lifetime resident. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley and Lula Estella “Biggy” McElroy Compton; his brother, Robert “Short Story” Compton; and his granddaughter, Aubrey Alexandria Nixon. He is survived by his high-school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Margaret Dore’ Compton; his daughters, Kris Compton Fuller and Kim Compton; and his grandchildren, Drew Nixon and Grace Fuller, all of Biloxi. He is also survived by his brothers, John (Gloria) Compton and Mark (Vicky) Compton; his sisters Kim (John) Aflague and Kit (Bali) Smith; and 14 nieces and nephews. Thomas was a longtime Coast architect and a principal of Compton, Bolton & Associates. He served as Director of the Physical Plant at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park Campus and most recently was a Construction Inspector with the United States Coast Guard. He held a Bachelor’s Degree from Louisiana State University, a Master’s Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree also from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was an Adjunct Instructor. He was Architect Emeritus with the American Institute of Architects and Past President of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter of AIA. As a young man, Thomas excelled in athletics and played right guard for the Biloxi Indians and the Millsaps Majors. He held the Biloxi High record in shot-put over 26 years. Thomas was active in the community throughout his lifetime having served as President of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce, on the Biloxi Yacht Club Board of Directors, as Chairman of the Kiwanis Fishing Rodeo, as a member of the Biloxi Rotary Club, and was a Commissioner of the City of Biloxi’s Architectural and Historical Review Commission. He enjoyed Mardi Gras and was a Page for Gulf Coast Carnival Association, was a founding member and officer of the Krewe of Neptune, Past President of Revelers, an Honorary Member of Mithras and Past King of Les Masquees. Memorials may be made to Melanoma Research Foundation, 1411 K Street, NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005, http://www.melanoma.org/. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 6th, at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home on Howard Avenue in Biloxi at 11:00 a.m. Friends may visit one hour prior. Interment will be in Southern Memorial Park.