Earl A. Singletary

First Sergeant (retired) Earl A. Singletary peacefully passed away April 7, 2020 at home surrounded by loved ones in Dahlonega, Georgia. He was a devoted and wonderful husband, father, and provider. His wisdom and leadership influenced all he came in contact with. He was predeceased by his son, Robert Singletary and his daughter Sudie Ann Peace. He is survived by his wife, Mechelle Singletary, and 4 children, Melissa Carruth, Rebecca Leaphart, Robyn Ledbetter, and Rachel George and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Earl was an honored retired Army veteran of 21 years. He served from 1959 to 1980. He was a Ranger Instructor for 7 years and was selected as a Distinguished Member of the Ranger Training Brigade as well as a Distinguished Member of the 502nd Infantry Regiment. He served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Valor device, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He worked for Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Department as Chief Deputy from 1980 to 1981 as well as as a deputy sheriff with Hall County Sheriff’s Office from 1981 to 1982. He was a Senior Army Instructor and then Deputy Commandant at Riverside Military Academy from 1982 to 1994. He also coached the drill team and rifle team to multiyear championships. He earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Brenau University in 1987. From 1994 to 1997, he was Assistant Chief of Police and then Chief of Police in Cumming, Georgia. From 1998 to 2000, he was Chief Deputy of Forsyth County. He retired in 2000. On July 9, 2010, he was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia. During retirement he enjoyed visiting with friends and family and was an active member of Ranger organizations.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Dahlonega Funeral Home at a later date. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery once arrangements have been made.