Ronald Gene “Rusty” Compton

Ronald Gene “Rusty” Compton, 77, of Cumming, GA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2023, with his loving wife Melody, his daughters Kelly and Kari, and special friends Sandi and Jon by his side. He was born in Seminole, Oklahoma to Gene and Marie (Epperson) Compton on July 20, 1946. He grew up in Oklahoma and Texas with his younger brother, Jon, playing on his grandparent’s “ranch” and loving the outdoors. 

After graduation from high school, Rusty went to Stephen F. Austin State College in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he majored in Economics. His true joy while in college was being in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, where he was active with his brothers who became his lifelong friends. Rusty was involved with his Phi Delt brothers until his death. He loved them deeply and always cherished their bond.

After graduation from college, Rusty joined the Marine Reserves where he faithfully served our country for six years. He loved our country and was a devoted patriot. 

Rusty then went on to have a career of over 45 years in the employee benefits insurance industry. He worked for several large corporations and retired from USI Insurance Services in January of 2019 after serving several years as the Southwest Region Practice Leader and Senior Vice President.

Rusty was a very active service leader. He served on the Underwriting Board of St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital for 10 years, the board of Directors for Collin County (Texas) Assistance Center for 2 years, the Foundation Board of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, Texas, for 3 years, and as a member of the Global Women’s Leadership Forum for 8 years. He loved to assist others and offered both personal and financial help whenever possible.

Rusty was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Melody, and a loving father to his daughters, Kelly and Kari, and stepson, Weston. He was also a loving son-in-law to his “Miss Patty.” He was a friend to everyone, never met a stranger, and had a larger-than-life personality. He had a song for everything, and could often be heard singing to his own rhythm! Rusty loved life, sports of all kinds, hunting, fishing, and his dogs Emmitt, Troy, and Kramer. He was a FIFA soccer referee, a marathon runner, and was often called a “fire ant” because he was always busy doing something. He could build anything and loved to work with his hands. He made beautiful stained-glass windows and restored antique pieces of furniture to look brand new.

Rusty was preceded in death by his father Gene and mother Marie. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife Melody of Cumming, Georgia, his daughter Kelly Rumney (Matt) of Wylie, Texas, his daughter Kari Compton of Plano, Texas, his stepson Weston Walker (Emma) of Carrollton, Texas, Granddaughter McKenna Rumney, Grandson Ryan Rumney, Granddaughter Kinsley Walker, his mother-in-law, Patty Kramer of Cumming, Georgia, his brother Jon (Susie) of Houston, Texas, his sister-in-law, Sarah Kangerga (John) of Amarillo, Texas and brother-in-law John (Dolly) of Longview, Washington. He also leaves his wonderful Phi Delta Theta brothers and a host of other relatives and special friends. 

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Rusty on Friday, September 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Freedom Church, 2435 E. Hebron Pkwy., Carrollton, TX 75010. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Rusty’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. https://www.stjude.org or (800) 805-5856