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Robert Gail Compton died on Saturday, April 11, 2020 after an extended illness.

He was born Oct. 25, 1940 in Cabarrus County to James Robert and Carrie Lee Weaver Compton. He retired in 1990 from the NC State Highway Patrol where he served as a State Trooper in Forsyth County for 25 years. After retirement he opened his own business as a private investigator for 10 years. He served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years after school at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis.  He was a member at Franklin Heights Baptist Church in Kannapolis and was attending Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. He was a legendary trooper known for his wit, humor and colorful stories. During his illness he was visited by numerous state officials, judges and toopers including the lieutenant colonel.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; a brother-in-law, Carlos Bull Sr. and sister-in-law Nancy Bull from Winston-Salem.

Survivors: his wife, Gayle; 2 daughters, Marla Ward and Dana Ward (Joey); 2 grandchildren, Matthew Ward (Maggie)  and Jennifer Ward; 3 great-grandchildren, Jace, Harper and Hazel Ward; 2 step-daughters, Sheila Hasenstab (Bob) of Summerville, S.C. and Tracy Tesh of  Wilmington; 3 step-grandchildren, Max Hasenstab, Gabrielle Hasenstab and Tori Pendleto; a brother, Dennis Compton (Susan); and 2 sisters, Brenda Safrit and Deborah Terry (Ronnie) of Kannapolis; a sister-in-law, Beverly Sharon Bull; a brother-in-law, Alan Bull; numerous nieces, nephews and cousin; close friends who helped during his extended illness, Dean Crawford, Bill Vogler, Jeff Ward and many others; his nephews, Carlos Devan Bull Jr. and John Eric Bull for daily contact and for handling heavy chores at home and his medical equipment, car maintenance, and errands.

His hobbies were fishing, golf and deer hunting and he loved NASCAR racing and PGA golf.  His stories are endless and will continue to be told. He also enjoyed extensive travel with his wife and loved entertaining and cooking for friends.

Memorials: N.C. Trooper, Inc. PO Box 840, Summerfield, 27358.

Condolences: www.hayworth-miller.com.