Sam Ray Compton, Jr. 52, of Natural Bridge Station, died Friday, July 6, 2007. He was born June 1, 1955 in Tulsa, Okla. the son of Mildred Lee Carpenter Compton and the late Sam Ray Compton, Sr. Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Susan Wells Compton. He earned degrees in biology and biomedical chemistry from Oral Roberts University. He was a violin maker, researcher and teacher. He was vice president of the Violin Society of America, the Catgut Acoustical Society, the Violinmaker's Association of Arizona and the Southern California Association of Violinmakers. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association. He was principal second violinist for the Rockbridge Community Symphony Orchestra.