Mr. Joseph Singletary, 75, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was born on August 13, 1937. He departed this life on Sunday, October 7, 2012 after an extended illness.

Born and raised in Lake City, South Carolina, he was educated in Williamsburg County Schools. At 8 years old, while attending services at St. Paul's AME church in Hemingway, South Carolina, he found Jesus and accepted Him as his personal savior. He was later baptized. On January 5, 1959, he married Sarah Lee Cooper.

Mr. Singletary retired from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company where he worked as a machine operator for over 20 years. He was also a skilled businessman, pursuing passions in investing and real estate. He was active in the community and was an avid gardener, hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and got special joy out of visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had an entrepreneurial spirit, was engaged in Christian community service and enjoyed lively bible discussions.

Joseph is survived by many who will cherish his memory including his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Sarah Lee Cooper Singletary; children, Emma Battle (Joe), Henry Singletary, Angela Hicks (Tony), Beverly Hilliard (Donnie), Jennifer Stewart (Bryant) and Sylvia Frazier (Carl); Dee Penn and Ced Penn; a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters Mary Gaskins, Willa Mae Kelly (James), Ruby Jones, Ellen Eaddy and Mary Cameron; brother Solomon Singletary; sister in law Jannie Mae Singletary; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Lewis Singletary; mother Corine Cooper; brothers Leroy Singletary, John David Singletary, Rufus Singletary, Henry Lewis Singletary, Joe (Moodin) Singletary, Sam J Singletary and John D Singletary; sisters Edna Dicker, Catherine Forrest, Carol Alston, Annie Lee Scott and Lila Mae Singletary.

Services will be held on Friday, October 12, 2012 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel, 822 Carl Russell Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Reverend Dennis W. Bishop of First Waughtown Baptist Church will be officiating. Family visitation will begin at 12:00 noon followed by a homegoing service at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to:
American Lung Association National Headquarters - 1301 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 800. Washington, DC 20004 (Phone: 202 - 785-3355)