Master Sgt. Eric Harmon Compton

Master Sgt. Eric Harmon Compton, devoted husband, father, and Soldier, passed away on April 12, 2026.

A resident of Christiansburg, Virginia, Eric was born November 24, 1972, in Richlands, Virginia, to James Robert Compton and Ruby Caroline Breeding. He grew up in Belfast and Floyd, Virginia, and graduated from Floyd County High School in 1990.

Eric proudly served in the Virginia Army National Guard for 22 years. He first enlisted in 1989, and served for three years before taking a break in service to focus on his civilian career. He returned to the Virginia Army National Guard in 2006, where he continued to build a career defined by steady leadership and commitment to those around him. He served in multiple roles within the 229th Military Police Company and Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, and deployed to Iraq from 2009 to 2010 as a team leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following his deployment, Eric joined the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, where he became a trusted mentor and advocate for Soldiers across the Commonwealth. He served in positions of increasing responsibility, culminating as the State Retention Noncommissioned Officer-in-Charge, where he was recognized for his unwavering commitment to the development and retention of Soldiers.

His awards and decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, multiple Army Commendation Medals and Army Achievement Medals, and the Expert Recruiting and Retention Badge.

Outside of his military service, Eric found his greatest joy in time spent with family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, golfing, and cheering on Kentucky Wildcats basketball. He was especially at home at his cabin in Wytheville, where many of those closest to him gathered and made lasting memories together.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Breeding. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sarah Compton; his children, Maizie (Thomas) Yi and Emmaline (Isaac Wade) Compton; his father, James (Martha) Compton; his sister, Deidra (Clyde) Wilson; his brother, Robbie (Stephanie) Compton; and a large extended family of relatives and close friends.

A private service will be held in celebration of his life for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, financial donations may be made to Hunters for the Hungry or any other charitable organization in Eric Compton’s name.