Homer D. Singletary

SINGLETARY, Homer D., Sr., 94, of Tampa, passed away peacefully January 24, 2010. Homer was born July 25, 1915, in Hahira, Ga., and moved to Tampa in 1918. He was the son of Gertrude Wynn Singletary and Thomas Bogie Singletary. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Mildred Bowen Singletary; and two brothers, Ed Singletary (Estelle) and John Singletary (Irene). He is survived by his brother, Roy Singletary (Betty); his children, Susan Jones of Tampa, Zoe Roseman of Redington Beach, Fla., and Dan Singletary (Beth) of Forsyth, Ga.; eight grand-children and 11 great-grand-children. Homer graduated in 1936 from Hillsborough High School, where he was a sprinter and sang in the Glee Club. After graduation, he was an amateur boxer in the Golden Gloves organization. He was a manager for A&P stores. During World War II, he worked as a fireman for Seaboard Air Line Railway, a stoker in the steam days. After the war, he worked as an insurance agent, retired for a short time and then worked for Gardenier Inc. A lifetime member of Seminole Heights Baptist Church, he served as a deacon, and taught the 13 year old boys' Sunday School for many years. He and Millie worked with the youth of the church for 50 years. He loved using his deep bass voice, singing in the choir with groups and sometimes solo. He participated in the Big Brother organization, mentoring two adopted sons. Homer never met a stranger. He loved to talk and if he talked long enough, you might even find out you were kin to him. He enjoyed being outdoors with his overalls on, hunting, fishing, feeding birds and relocating squirrels. He will always be remembered for his stories and jokes. Homer loved life. On his last day, he was singing with a group at The Village. He loved the Lord, always ready to share the gift of salvation with anyone he met. He had a bright smile, a twinkle in his eyes and a special love for his family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate his life will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 28, in the auditorium of The University Village, 12401 N. 22nd St., Tampa. A visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Big Brothers Big Sister of Tampa Bay, 711 S. Dale Mabry, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33609, or a charity of your choice.