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Rufus Singleton Obituary

Rufus Singleton

February 9, 1937- December 22, 2015

Raleigh

Rufus Singleton, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 22, 2015.

Rufus was born February 9, 1937 in Decatur, Texas. He grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico where his fondest memories were as a high school and college football player. After time in the army as an airborne ranger, he joined IBM in 1967 and moved from Los Angeles to Dallas and Charlotte, ending his IBM career in 1994 in Raleigh. The last 21 years, literally up to his death, he worked as a personal trainer and helped scores of clients lead fitter and healthier lives. This work became his greatest passion, and his clients will never forget his 80/20 rule and the recommendation to do "2 more". He was an ardent fan of the USC Trojans. To his family, he will be remembered as the dad who never missed a sporting event of his children, who went to every family reunion, and who was the shortest member of the "Big 6".

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James T. and Richard (RL) Singleton and his beloved daughter Dianna L. Singleton.

Surviving are his aunts Ruby Ross and Mae B. Green; his brother Joe Singleton and wife Corrine, his wife Karin Singleton; his sons Dennis Ray Singleton, Danny Durand Singleton, Darryl Wayne Singleton and wife Sandra, Rufus Singleton Jr. and wife Lynette; his cousins Milton and Welton Pleasant, Charles and Tommy Randle and Kathy Green; nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his dog Mr. Darcy.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 30 at 2 PM at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612 followed immediately by a visitation at Mitchell's Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612.

Karin would like to express her heartfelt thanks to all her friends for their support during the last few months of Rufus' illness. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Foundation of Hope, 9401 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27617, Meals on Wheels of Wake County, 1001 Blair Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27603 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.MitchellatRMP.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer on Dec. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Rufus Singleton

Not sure what to say?





Jean Fields (Skaggs)

January 25, 2016

To Karin, Singleton children and family members: It is with sadness that I hear of Rufus' last few months of life and his passing. He was an outstanding man who fulfilled many of his dreams through his ability, ambition and hard work. May he rest in peace.

January 20, 2016

Rufus Singleton was my uncle, I am Richard's youngest child Darria White. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to his wife and my cousins.

Always, Darria

January 12, 2016

January 11, 2016
Karin, God Bless you and your family. Rufus is now in better hands. I hope you will be consoled with our Lord's help. It was so nice to see you both at our class reunions in Las Cruces. Love to all your family. Jennie Carrillo Villa

January 11, 2016

Karin, This is very sad and I just learned of it. One of the highlights of our class reunions was visiting with you and Rufus. Roberta

January 11, 2016

Rufus was one of my favorite classmates at Las Cruces Union High School. I enjoyed playing football with him and I am so glad that we got to see him at our last reunion. He was always exceptional and a real gentleman. Warmest regards to you Karin and to the rest of his family.

Ed Buck

Wendy Sweeney

January 6, 2016

My heart goes out to you, Karin, on the death of your husband. May the love of friends and family surround you with comfort and peace.

January 2, 2016

Karen I just learned of this today at Rex. So very sorry for your great loss May our Lord hold you close during this time. Neicy Reynolds Miss you

Jan Floyd

December 31, 2015

Dear Karin,
I was so saddened to hear of your husband's death today. I am so sorry for your loss and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
In sympathy,
Jan Floyd

Y Clewis

December 30, 2015

To the Singleton Family, Our prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. Be Blessed.

Yvette Clewis

Joyce Hall

December 29, 2015

It is with the deepest regret to hear of this gentleman's passing. However, it is with the upmost gratitude that I say "thank you" Lord for sharing this kind man with so many. Prayers for all the family and friends who will surely miss Mr. Rufus Singleton.

Dr. Sue Borgschulze

December 28, 2015

"Two More" is a superb mantra. Each time I use it, I'll remember your enthusiasm for life, fitness & health. Thank you for being such a Positive & Beautiful Force in my life.

Sue B.

December 28, 2015

"2 More" is a superb motivation tool. Thank you, Rufus, for that, and for teaching me more about sports than I ever thought I'd know.

Susan Fisher

December 28, 2015

I feel so privileged to have known Rufus. He became my trainer almost 20 years ago. Those many one-hour sessions I spent with him are so precious to me now. He not only taught me how to work out properly, but he also showed me through his example how to live life to its fullest. During his 78 years, he had not one, but three successful careers. He was passionate about sports and loved his family deeply. His face would light up every time he told stories about his brothers, children, grandchildren, and, of course, his beloved Karin. He also selflessly gave back to the community through his involvement with Meals on Wheels, Walk for Hope and many other causes. He was caring, intelligent, giving and compassionate. He was a great man who touched so many lives positively, including mine. My workout binder and the scores of pages that fill it are the tools he left me to continue my journey to a fitter life. Over the years as I continue to work through the routines he taught me, I will remember a man whom I admired, respected and loved. Thank you, Rufus, for being my trainer and my friend. You have left an indelible mark on my life, and I will never, ever forget you.

Raleigh Sports Club with Bucky Waters

Katherine Lowman & Ken Nye

December 28, 2015

Our sincere sympathy to Rufus' family. We were so glad to have him as a past member of The Raleigh Sports Club. It was obvious that sports were a big part of his live. He will be missed. Regards, Katherine Lowman & Ken Nye, Past Presidents of The Raleigh Sports Club.

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Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

7209 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612

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