George F. Singletary

George F. Singletary, Jr., was born April 3, 1917 in Bryan, Texas and died April 2, 2011 in Austin, Texas.He was preceded in death by his wife Victoria Singletary, his parents George F. Singletary, Sr. and Tennie Singletary, and his sister Jane Mullins. He is survived by his son David Singletary and his niece Marcia Dow.

George graduated from Texas A&M University in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. He served in the United States Army during World War II and earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest decoration, for heroism in action in New Guinea on August 12 and 13, 1943. His citation is as follows: “In order to place artillery fire advantageously in support of a scheduled infantry attack, 2nd Lieutenant Singletary accompanied an advanced infantry patrol through enemy controlled terrain to an area in which the forward perimeter was to be established. The patrol took the natural cover afforded by the area, as the surprise element was essential to the planned attack. Although he could have returned to join the main troops, he chose to remain with the advance patrol. During the night the patrol was sighted by the enemy and subjected to intense machine gun fire. 2nd Lieutenant Singletary was seriously wounded, but despite lapses of consciousness, at daylight he re-registered artillery preparations for the barrage and directed effective and accurate artillery fire which contributed materially to the success of the attack. Oblivious to personal comfort, he insisted on all wounded being evacuated before he consented to his own removal. In this action, 2nd Lieutenant Singletary displayed conspicuous courage and contributed greatly to the defeat of the enemy in this position.”

Following his Army service, he was employed by the Texas Railroad Commission for over 50 years as an oil and gas engineer. At his retirement in 1994 he was cited by the commissioners for the “distinguished career he has brought technical skills, sound judgment, and extraordinary achievement to the workplace. These have been applied to the benefit of both the Railroad Commission and the State of Texas.”

His son David would like to thank physicians Robert Raley, William Robinson, Timothy Dzuik, Thomas Schulze, Thomas Chandler, and Cecilia Cervantes as well as physical therapist Jason Alaimo for their care to his father during these last difficult years.

David personally appreciates the moral support of management and staff at the Frisco Shop during his frequent takeout trips for his father.

Mr. Singletary will lie in state from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel North Lamar followed by graveside services at 11:00 a.m. at Austin Memorial Park, 2800 Hancock Dr.