RICHARD JEFFERSON SINGLETON Sr.

Richard Jefferson Singleton, Sr.

Richard Jefferson Singleton, Sr., 96, of Altavista passed away Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Runk and Pratt on Leesville Road, Lynchburg. He was the faithful husband of Margaret Hudson Singleton for sixty-five years and devoted father to four children.

Dick was born in the Clarkton community in Halifax County on August 7, 1915, a son of the late James Monroe Singleton and Ivy Leah Haley Singleton.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II having entered the Navy in 1936 and then re-enlisting in 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Dick was present off the coast of Normandy on D-Day in a destroyer escort.

He was employed with Southland Life Insurance Company for more than twenty-five years.

Dick was an accomplished gardener who grew large quantities of sweet corn, tomatoes, snap beans and potatoes over his long life. Much of his interest and knowledge in gardening came from his upbringing on a farm in Naruna.

He was a avid reader of "Organic Gardening", numerous health and exercise magazines and many other publications. His mind remained alert into his elderly years due to his love of reading numerous books and the daily newspaper.

Over the years he enjoyed camping, trips to the beach, and bus excursions. Dick was an advocate of health and exercise before it became mainstream and took vitamin supplements and exercised daily. He also was a guitar picker and loved bluegrass music.

As a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Hurt he was able to practice his faith. A devout Christian, he believed in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, revered the Holy Scriptures and the Bible. He was a committed reader of the Bible and the Book could be found in every room of his home. He lived his faith and instilled his faith in his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Richard J. Singleton, Jr. and wife Wendy of Forest, Earle E. Singleton and wife Linette of Nashville, TN, and Frederick D. Singleton and wife Gerry of Summerville, SC; one daughter, Angela Singleton Vaughan and husband Rob of Salem; six grandchildren, Megan Cornelius and husband John of Concord, NC, Bradford T. Singleton, Sherri Large and husband Brooks all of Summerville, SC, Patrick, Katherine and Julia Vaughan all of Salem; four great grandchildren, Anna, Evan, and Colby Cornelius all of Concord, NC and Parker Large of Summerville, SC; one brother, Darryl M. (Mack) Singleton of Gladys; and six sisters, Lessie Maude Dowdy of Altavista, Eva Mae Owen of Bristol, Mildred Tuck of Lynchburg, Margaret Vassar of Gladys, Barbara Davis of Rustburg, and Betsy Burton of Madison Heights.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, James Singleton, Paul Singleton, and Charles (Edgie) Singleton; and two sisters, Elma Holland and Janie Marie Short.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, 2011 at Finch & Finch Chapel, Altavista. Interment will follow at Altavista Memorial Park with military rites by Army National Guard Funeral Honors.

The family will receive friends from 7-8:30 p.m., Sunday at Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista and other times at the residence.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider First Southern Baptist Church, 708 Prospect Rd., Hurt, VA 24563.

To send condolences, please visit www.finchandfinchfuneralservice.com.