John Paul Singleton

Paul Singleton, age 101, of Holt, died April 15, 2011, at LaRocca Nursing Home. Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Holt Baptist Church with Rev. Archer Thorpe and Rev. Rick Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, a Dignity Memorial Provider, directing. Visitation will be today from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to services at the church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Singleton; and his son, Paul Singleton, Jr.

Survivors include his sons, Jim Singleton of Hellertown, Pa. and David Singleton of New Orleans, La.; his grandchildren, Bonnie Nicosia, Brian Singleton, Brad Singleton, Dan Singleton, Bob Singleton, Davina Zimmermann, Kim Short, and Bella Singleton; his great-grandchildren, Carlin Thorpe, Matt Nicosia, Jennifer Cunningham, John Singleton, Paul Singleton, Jackson Singleton, Amanda Singleton, Danielle Singleton, Miesje Howerdd, Marie Zimmermann, Lindsey Zimmermann, Jessica Zimmermann, and Justin Mekdessie; and his great-great-grandchildren, Josh Loudermilk and Cade Cunningham.

Pallbearers will be Elton Henson, Leroy McAbee, Sam Faucett, Al Latham, Paul Gartman, and Kim Mullenix.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. and Mrs. Thomas McDermott, Rev. Archer Thorpe, the Daniel Bishop Sunday School Class, and members of Holt Baptist Church.

Paul Singleton was a special man who lived through years of history in the making. Moving to Tuscaloosa in 1929, just as the United States entered the Great Depression, he went to work at Central Foundry Company in Holt, remaining there through the difficult years of that era. In spite of the hard times, he often commented about the community spirit that filled Holt. Singleton rose in management and eventually became President of the company before retiring. In addition, he served as President of the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute of America.

Involved in Tuscaloosa area civic affairs, Paul Singleton was the general chairman of Tuscaloosa's first United Fund campaign (now United Way of West Alabama) and served as a member and chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education. He was on the board of directors of several organizations including Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, YMCA, Tuscaloosa Rotary Club, Boy Scouts of America, and City National Bank (Regions). He was selected Tuscaloosa Citizen of the Year, Pillar of West Alabama, and was inducted into the Tuscaloosa County Civic Hall of Fame.

Paul Singleton was an active member of Holt Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Board of Deacons for a number of years.

He will be remembered for his commitment to his family, his church, and his community.