W. T. "Terry" Singletary

Willie Therman (Terry) Singletary, ADRC, US Navy Retired, 97, died peacefully in Blue Ridge, GA on July 19, 2019. A joyful celebration of Terry's life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Copperhill, TN., at 10:00 a.m. on July 25, 2019. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, from 5-8 at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. Burial will be at Georgian National Cemetery, Canton, GA.
Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca (Becky), children, Patricia Szymczak, Denise (Kevin) Donohue, Judi (Terry) Wilcox, Steve (Carolyn) Singletary, Paul (Pamela) Singletary, and Rebecca Singletary (Charlie Nelson), 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way), 2 great-great-grandchildren and special friends Kim Wood and Vernelle Green.
Terry was born in Grady County, GA to Mabel Trammell and Willie Lee Singletary. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served as a navigator on the Martin PBM "Mariner flying boat" from Maine to Florida on anti-submarine warfare patrol duty. After the war, Terry continued his career with the Navy, as a Chief Petty Officer, and as a civilian, retiring in 1978.
Terry met Becky on a blind date. She was on vacation from nursing school, visiting her sister, and he reluctantly agreed to be set up by one of his shipmates. Later he would say, "When I saw her, the bottom fell out and I told myself, Lord willing that's the girl I'm going to marry." Becky told one of her friends that she didn't have a sunburn from her Florida vacation but had "moon glow" as she had met this special fellow and had been out with him nearly every evening of her visit.
Terry and Becky were married for nearly 70 years. They raised their children in Jacksonville, FL. where they were longtime parishioners at Murray Hill United Methodist Church. They retired to the beautiful North Georgia Mountains near Blue Ridge, where they designed and built a home. Terry was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and later, First United Methodist of Copperhill. He was also a member of NARFE and the American Legion. Terry grew tremendous vegetable and blueberry gardens, to the delight of neighbors and visiting relatives. With age and health issues, Terry and Becky moved to Blue Ridge Assisted Living. The family thanks the staff for their loving care.
Terry, or "Poppy" as he was called by his many grandchildren, is remembered as a kind, hardworking, patient, loving, funny, faith-filled man. Terry was active in his church and with his beautiful voice, sang in the church choir, making adaptions as his eyesight failed from macular degeneration. He loved a good joke! The most important aspects of his life were his unwavering faith and his love of family and friends. For Terry, family didn't include only biological relatives; he was the bonus Dad for his family's friends and spouses, children in the churches he attended, and neighborhood kids. For many years, at Christmastime, Poppy transformed into Santa, grew a snow white beard, and made special appearances at kindergartens, daycare centers and occasionally, a front door on Christmas Eve.
He used to say (when asked) that he was "fat, dumb, and happy" but later changed the "happy" part to "joyful"— because happiness can be bought but joy cannot. After 97 years, Terry's generous heart could beat no longer. He is now in Glory, sharing jokes with the Almighty, watching the Braves with clear eyes, and growing a Heavenly garden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice of Ellijay GA, First United Methodist Church of Copperhill, or a charity of your choice. For details of the memorial service and visitation, or to express condolences to the family, please visit the website of Finch-Cochran Funeral Home.