Gerald Singleton, Sr.
August 26, 1938 ~ July 25, 2021
Services for Gerald Singleton, Sr. will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Daingerfield High School Auditorium. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. Mr. Singleton will lie in state from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
A kind and loving spirit, Gerald Singleton, was born August 26, 1938, in New Orleans, LA, to the late David Singleton, Sr. and Audry Robinson of Algiers, LA. Gerald graduated from L.B. Landry High School in 1957 in New Orleans, LA. He furthered his education by receiving a Bachelor's Degree in 1961 from Texas College, Tyler, TX,where he majored in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. He served in the Army National Guard and earned an Honorable Discharge in January 1967.
Gerald earned a Master of Education in 1970 from East Texas State University, Commerce, TX. Gerald also earned his Mid-Management Certification from Stephen F. Austin University. Gerald held memberships in the professional organizations: Texas State Teacher's Association, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, and the State Bar Governance Committee.
"Coach" began his teaching and basketball coaching career at Fannindel High School, Ladonia, TX, in 1961. He accepted a position in 1966 as the Head JV Coach for football and basketball at Pittsburg High School. Gerald began a 30-year career with Daingerfield - Lone Star ISDin 1974.
Gerald was a versatile and dedicated educator. In addition to teaching biology, Gerald coached secondary high school athletes, was a mentor, youth counselor, and community leader. In 1981,he became the Assistant Principal of Daingerfield High School while maintaining the position as the Head Varsity Basketball Coach and Assistant Football Coach. Gerald taught and coached many of his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Gerald served as the Principal of Daingerfield High School from 1991 until he retired in 2004.
Gerald was well loved and respected by all who knew him both personally and professionally. "Hwy 259 runs North and South" was a trademark saying that captured his sense of humor. Students understood the point being made when Mr. Singleton spoke these words. He was a prominent figure in the school district and within thecommunity. Gerald was honored in 2021 with the Educator Community Service Award from the Morris County Collaborative.
Gerald accepted Christ at a very early age. Gerald’s spirit was shaped by his deep belief in the salvation offered by our Lord and Savior. Hewas an active member of Mt. Mitchell Church of Christ, Omaha, TX, until his health failed him. Gerald taught adult Sunday school class, conducted scripture readings and assisted with communion, offerings and prayer service.
On December 27, 1991, Gerald and Rita Harper entered into holy matrimony. Gerald cherished Rita as his soulmate and caretaker throughout their 29 years together as husband and wife. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and dear friend. Gerald was in his element living his best life in East Texas.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Singleton; parents, David Singleton, Sr. and Audry Robinson; and daughter, Holly Durham. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son Gerald (Alanna) Singleton, Jr., Richardson, TX; step-daughter Tegra (Torre) Chism, Lone Star, TX; step-son Terrance Harper, Dallas, TX; one brother David Singleton, Jr., Dallas, TX; thirteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, loving friends and Christian brothers and sisters.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
He will be greatly missed! Prayers to all!
Thanks for always trying to keep me out of trouble, you will truly be missed.
Coach was a kind a gentle soul and will be missed dearly.
When the long and storied past of Daingerfield High School is written, Coach Singleton will be a name mentioned often. He was one of the greats! He impacted so many lives for good. Well done Coach! Well done! My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.
Forever in our hearts!!
What a wonderful human being and a wonderful leader Northeast Texas has lost with Mr. Singleton! To the family, you have my deepest sympathy
One of the true greats. He molded many of us in to the people that we are today. RIP Coach!
A Great man , so blessed to have known him . Continued prayers of comfort and strength for the family.
Every time I hear his name, 259 north or south. Such a great role model!!! Coach Singleton you and your wife will both be truly missed! Prayers for the family.
Coach Singleton was the best..I know the class of 1977 will truly miss you..RIP Coach…
To The Family & Extended Family of Gerald Singleton with deepest regrets and condolences.
We were greatly saddened to learn of his passing.
Coach Singleton was one of the Giants in our young lives when we were growing up in Daingerfield.
It is hard to believe that we first met and became influenced by him some 50 years ago.
He had a deep and lasting impact on us and countless other young men and women as we were growing up.
Without a doubt, Gerald Singleton is one of the Finest Human Beings that we ever met and came to know.
We consider ourselves indeed fortunate to have known and become influenced by him.
We are indeed grateful for his many impacts upon us.
I remember many of ‘his sayings’ with great fondness and smile when they cross my mind.
To live in hearts that we leave behind is not to die. In that sense,
Gerald Singleton lives on and will live on in all of us for many years to come.
Submitted with love and the greatest respect.
Beth & Matthew Lanagan
Little Rock, Arkansas
Thank you, Coach for being such a kind and gentle spirit. You always welcomed me into your home and always had an encouraging word. You were a faithful Christian and role model to all. Rest in his presence, sir. Prayers of comfort to all who loved and respected him.
To the Singleton Family, He was a special person to the student at Fredrick Douglass High School, Pittsburg, Texas. Praying for our Heavenly Father to give all of you strength to Endure your Lost. The Sun Will Shine Again. Be Blessed!! Glenda Davis
I’m so sorry this happened,I remember riding with Terrance to dallas all the time an going to you guys house an Terrance would say ‘I have to get back to the house cause my mama got a new boyfriend an I need to watch him’lol an I would say let’s go then an I would end up staying the night an go to the football 🏈 games that weekend with you guys,so I was very grateful to have you all to hang around and thank you 🙏🏼 for all the Love ?? ?? ?? 💗
Coach,
No one could run a "study hall" like you. Thank you for trusting me to record 6 weeks grades for all the athletes under your leadership
That paddle board you had should be hung in the hall of fame. If I could describe you in all-I would just say; Mr. Gerald didn't play. (Lean On Me)
Rest In peace and know that your labor was not in vain.
TIGER PRIDE
Coach,
No one could run a "study hall" like you. Thank you for trusting me to record 6 weeks grades for all the athletes under your leadership
That paddle board you had should be hung in the hall of fame. If I could describe you in all-I would just say; Mr. Gerald didn't play. (Lean On Me)
Rest In peace and know that your labor was not in vain.
TIGER PRIDE
Thanks For All the times you keep us in line and on the Straight Path.
Forever in Our Hearts
Daingerfield Class of 98 oh the Great 💙💙💙💙💙
So sad to hear about the passing of Coach Singleton’ he was the BEST!!!! My condolences to his family, friends, and love ones.
Buffy
To the Family of "Coach Singleton", He honestly was the best !!! A good role model. Someone I know a lot of Students could go to, because we loved and trusted him. Rest and peace, you will never be forgotten ,Coach. CLASS OF 82, Lisa Jones Stewart
The Tunstall family sends its prayers and condolences to the Singleton family.
Coach was truly an inspiration. He made a deep impact on my life. I think of him often, and hope, I am half the principal he was. Thank you for keeping me on the path to success. My condolences to the family. Your parents set the bar high!
My thoughts and Prayers are with The Family today and the Days to come. May God comfort You.Rest in Peace Coach Singleton.
Thank you for not giving up!
"Earth hath no sorrow that heaven can't heal." Rest well Coach. I'll meet you on the other shore…Prayers for strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gerald Singleton, Jr. family as you celebrate the homegoing of your father whose legacy as an educational leader lives on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched during his earthly life. We commend you to Our Father whom art in Heaven who can lighten your hearts and console your spirit during this difficult time. You remain in our prayers always.
Coach was a good man with a heart for kids. I enjoyed him as one of my coaches growing up and got the pleasure to coach with him later in life. He will surely be missed.