Special to IFN

The Town of Mooresville on Thursday announced that former commissioner and fire marshal Bobby Compton has passed away.

“Bobby Compton was a lifelong public servant and was truly committed to our town and this community,” said Mayor Chris Carney. “From serving over 30 years as a firefighter to his time spent on the Board of Commissioners, I will always have respect for his passion and unwavering dedication to the residents of Mooresville.”

Compton, who lost a bid for mayor in 2023, began his career with the Mooresville Fire Department as a firefighter/EMT in December 1974. He was promoted to fire marshal in 1988 and served in that role until his retirement in May of 2005.

“We’re thankful for Fire Marshal Compton’s dedicated service to the Fire Department and to the Town of Mooresville. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his Fire Department family,” Mooresville Fire-Rescue Chief Curt Deaton said.

In 2011, he was elected as a commissioner at-large to the Town Board of Commissioners and served in that capacity until 2023. During his tenure, he was honored as a Main Street Champion in 2022 by the North Carolina Main Street Program.

Current commissioners praised Compton for his service to the town.

“Commissioner Bobby Compton was a devoted public servant, tireless advocate for Mooresville, and a true friend to our community. His legacy of leadership, kindness, and commitment will forever guide the town he loved so deeply,” said Commissioner Lisa Qualls.

“Having served on the Board together for many years, Bobby and I built a great friendship. Even though we took our governance responsibilities very seriously, we shared a lot of laughs throughout that time, and I’ll always remember him stopping by the store for a Sun Drop slushie before meetings,” Commissioner Eddie Dingler added. 

“I served with Bobby on the Board of Commissioners for six years. He was devoted to Mooresville and a lifelong servant to the people who call Mooresville home. His sense of humor and laugh will be missed dearly,” said Commissioner Gary West.