With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert “Bobby” Buford Compton, a beloved member of our community, who departed this life on June 4, 2025, at the age of 68. Bobby was surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Mooresville, N.C., where he had deep roots and made a lasting impact throughout his lifetime.
Born on September 27, 1956, to the late Dorothy Moore Compton and Paul Kelly Compton Sr., Bobby chose Mooresville as his lifelong home. He graduated from Mooresville High School in 1974 and dedicated his life to serving his community. Starting his journey as a firefighter and EMT with the Mooresville Fire Department in December 1974, Bobby lived a life of courage and sacrifice. He rose to the position of Fire Marshal in 1988, where he served with passion and dedication until his retirement in May 2005.
A true advocate for his beloved town, Bobby was elected as a commissioner at-large to the Town Board of Commissioners in 2011, serving until 2023. During this time, he also selflessly served on many local and statewide agencies, including North Carolina Firemen’s Association, North Carolina Fire Marshal’s Association, North Carolina Fire & Life Safety Educators Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, North Carolina League of Municipalities, National League of Cities, Centralina Regional Council Mooresville’s Historic Preservation Committee, Public Art Committee, Pedal Mooresville Bicycle Committee and the Mooresville Downtown Commission.
For his dedication and advocacy of downtown Mooresville, Bobby was honored as a NC Main Street Champion by the Mooresville Downtown Commission and the North Carolina Main Street Program in 2022.
Bobby’s love for life extended beyond his professional endeavors; he was an avid fan of the Carolina Tar Heels and the L.A. Dodgers. His zeal for his teams rolled over into his attire and he regularly sported his Carolina Blue clothing. The Mooresville Spinners baseball was another favorite pastime and Bobby regularly attended games and threw out the first pitch.
Bobby was always quick to smile, share a joke, help a neighbor, or lend a hand. His smile and charisma were infectious, and he so enjoyed engaging with his fellow Mooresvillians and also meeting new people and proudly sharing stories of his hometown. What Bobby gave back to his community was done quietly, compassionately and selflessly. He was a true servant leader.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving fiancée, Ronda Roberts; his daughters, Ashley and Brandy; his caring siblings, Paulette Culbreth (Don), Lou Ann Isenhour (Jack Church), and Kelly Compton (Hulene); his adored grandchildren, Gabe, Sydney, Trent, Tristan, Trevor, Kingston, and Kalio; as well as his cherished nieces and nephews, Amy, Erin, Kaycee, Nick and Brian.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13, at 4 p.m. at Glenwood Memorial Park Columbarium, where friends and family will gather to honor Bobby’s life. The service will be officiated by Chaplain Eddie Karriker, a testament to the bonds Bobby forged throughout his journey. Following this, a Celebration of Life will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Heritage House of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, where stories, laughter, and cherished memories will be shared in remembrance of a remarkable man.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be made to The Mooresville Education Foundation, 305 N. Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115 for the Bobby Compton Scholarship Fund.
As we celebrate Bobby’s life, let us carry forward his legacy of service and love, remembering the joy and warmth he brought into the lives of all who knew him.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting Bobby’s family during this time of sorrow. Condolences can be expressed at www.cavin-cook.com.