Phillip Andrew Compton

Spartanburg, SC- Phillip Andrew Compton, of 386 Pinehurst Drive, entered into eternal peace at his home on Friday, September 1, 2017 after a courageous six and a half year battle against cancer. He was born August 25, 1952 in Spartanburg to the late Andrew Jackson and Lorene Turbeville Compton. Phil attended Dorman High School, Spartanburg Junior College, and graduated with a degree in Administrative Management from Clemson University in 1974. It was there where he met his loving wife of 41 years, Catherine Johnson Compton of Spartanburg. Phil began his career in 1974 as a manager “swinging shifts” for Hoechst Fibers in Spartanburg. He was then hired as a Property Manager for Arlen Shopping Centers Company, located in Chattanooga, TN. Upon their development of Westgate Mall, Phil became the first mall manager when it opened in 1975. Phil and Cathy married in 1976 and moved to Greenville where Phil began working as a Property Manager and Leasing Agent for Liberty Properties, a division of Liberty Life Insurance. In 1981, he had the opportunity to move to Kiawah Island, SC and become the Director of Commercial Development. Phil was instrumental in the developing, leasing, and managing of the Town Center and all retail shops on the island. Kiawah Island remained to be Phil and Cathy’s “Happy Place” for years to come. Changing careers in 1982 brought Phil and his family back to their hometown of Spartanburg and Phil became a Producer for George L. Johnson & Son Insurance Agency until 1995 upon the acquisition of the agency by Phil and Grier Bomar. He retired from George Johnson Insurance in 2011. Due to incentive trips earned by the agency, Phil and Cathy were able to travel the world, providing them with wonderful memories, lifelong friends, and great adventures. Phil enjoyed life to the fullest. He treasured coaching little league teams, family vacations, beach trips, making a hole in one on July 17, 2014 with his golf friends, singing in the church choir, playing tennis, weekly work outs with his YMCA buddies, reading, and especially watching his Clemson Tigers play and win two National Championships. Phil was affectionately nicknamed “Superman” in his younger days, but the name took on a special meaning as he bravely fought his long battle with cancer. He was a 1990 Leadership Spartanburg graduate, a member of Downtown Sertoma and North Spartanburg Rotary. He served on the boards of The Haven, and Family Care Council, as well as being involved in the local and state chapters of the Independent Insurance Agents. A devoted and loving Christian husband, father, Poppie, brother, and uncle, Phil remained faithful and humbled by God’s grace and the miracles bestowed upon him and his family during his lifetime. Phil is survived by his wife, Catherine Johnson Compton; son, Andrew Lake Compton; daughters, Ashley Catherine Compton and Caroline Johnson Compton; grandchildren, Emory Grace Compton and Parker Andrew Compton. His in-laws, George Lake Johnson, Jr. and Vicki Manatis Johnson; brothers, Dr. Kenneth W. Compton (Mimi) and Gary L. Compton (Ruth); sisters in-law, Elizabeth J. Shepard (Bob) and Judith J. Saad (Kent); and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He also leaves behind his devoted and loving dog, Jackson. The family is deeply grateful to its Westminster Presbyterian Church family, various church families, friends, family, and neighbors who diligently prayed for strength and healing, provided meals, sent cards and emails of encouragement throughout his entire journey. The family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. James Bearden and his nursing staff at Gibbs Cancer Center for their excellent care and support; to his loving and loyal caregiver of two years, Nelsy Bordon, with Comfort Keepers, whom Phil referred to as his “angel.” The staff with Spartanburg Regional Hospice was kind and compassionate while caring for Phil as well as the entire family; thank you Kathy Cole, Nicole, and Sherry for your love and guidance. There will be a private memorial service at St. John's Lutheran Church in Spartanburg with inurnment in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 418 S. Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; Westminster Presbyterian Church, 309 Fernwood Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29307; Mobile Meals, P O Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304, or Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303.