Ronnie Singletary

Ronnie Singletary Sr. affectionately known as "Diddy Bop," was born on September 15, 1956 in Washington, DC, and departed this life on December 12, 2024. He was the fourth-born child to Loretta Singletary and Cecil Johnson.
Ronnie matriculated through the DC public school system. While attending Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, he excelled as a baseball player and an outstanding quarterback in DC metropolitan area. Being highly recruited by several colleges, he attended Ellsworth Community College, UDC, and Wichita State University. In 1978, he met and later married Marsha (Culp) in 1980. From this union, they have five children.
Ron was a quiet, behind-the-scenes, type of guy. He loved the word of God, football, and good food. His family was his greatest earthly reward, and he loved doing anything for them. He knew that when he did the job, it was done right!
It was through his struggles that he came to know the Lord as his Savior. You would find him listening to the Word even as he slept. Ron had a heart after God and people in general - - especially the ones who were struggling in life. Dad, Mr Ron, Bay, Uncle Bop was so loved, and he reciprocated that love.
Most recently, Ron was an engineer at Pendergraph Corporation in Raleigh, NC. Prior to that he was a resident manager at Zaban Shelter in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ron was preceded in death by his mother Loretta Singletary, father Cecil Johnson, brother Rickey Singletary, sister Evelyn Singletary, sister Theresa Singletary, and brother Eric Singletary. He was survived by his oldest brother, Leroy Singletary, who has always been his father figure. Leaving an indelible impression on all who knew and loved him, his wife Marsha of 45 years, his children Rickey Payton Jr (Leanna), Ronnie Singletary Jr, Marcus Singletary (Allyson), Drew Singletary (Walquiria), Carleta Albertie (Germikle). Germikle is his well-loved 4th son. His 10 grandchildren J'Caidyn Albertie (Riley), J'Mya Albertie, Ja'Michael Albertie, Jace Albertie, JiShuad Stewart, Rickey "Trae" Payton III, Gemar Payton, Lyric Payton, Kimani Payton, and Joseph Payton, and one great-grandbaby, K'haelhani Albertie. Uncle Bop had a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Including that special group that STAYED at Uncle Bop and Aunt Marsha's house.
Ron loved being a dad and granddad. His life was defined by his unwavering dedication to his family, his tireless work ethic, and his passion for helping others. Whether through his infectious laughter, his big-hearted generosity, or his sage advice, he left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Ron will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. He was indeed our gentle giant.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Scotland Neck Methodist Church in Scotland Neck. A celebration of life funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Enfield.
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck will be handling the arrangements for the Singletary family and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com.
A recording of the service may be found below.