Remembering a loyal friend, businessman Customers, community leaders pay tribute to Calvis Singleton Sr.

BY JAMES HARPER
DAYTONA TIMES

Calvis Taft Singleton Sr. was known for being a good listener, loyal friend and good businessman, who could relate and talk to anyone. He died at his home unexpectedly on May 25 at age 63.

Calvis Singleton Sr.

;>The Daytona Beach native became even better known in the community when in 1990 he took over the family business Singleton Dry Cleaners, a staple on Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard for decades.

He attended Daytona Beach Community College before entering the U.S. Armed Forces. Upon returning to Daytona Beach, he attended and completed his education at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, receiving a degree in Aviation/ Air Science in the late 1970s. He was then hired by the university as a flight instructor where he worked until 1990.

‘Great friend’

Singleton was born to the late Thomas Hosea and Janie Nunnally Singleton on April 24, 1948. He was a graduate of Campbell Senior High School’s class of 1966.

The Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church choir sings “Goin’ Up Yonder” during the homegoing service Wednesday for Calvis Singleton Sr. (ASHLEY THOMAS/DAYTONA TIMES)

Businessman Leon Gillis graduated from Campbell Senior High the same year as Singleton.

"He and I were close for 60 years," said Gillis, adding that at one time he worked for Singleton. "He was always there for me. He was like a biological brother."

Former Daytona Beach City Commissioner Bernard W. Smith was one of the few chosen to speak during Singleton’s funeral service on Wednesday. Smith was also a classmate graduating with Singleton in 1966.

"He was a great friend. He was very popular during school because he was a good guy," said Smith.

‘Cordial and courteous’

Retired Daytona Beach Police Commander Lexie Williams was among the approximately 300 in attendance at the service at Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Williams said though he lived in Port Orange he was a faithful customer of Singleton. Williams said he began doing business with Singleton when Daytona Beach had a contract for city employees.

"I went by the business last week to drop off my laundry and asked where was Calvis. I was devastated to learn that he had passed the night before. I will miss our talks about politics. He was very proud of his sister Gloria. I will still bring my laundry to the business," said Williams.

"He was always vibrant. He was cordial and courteous. He came from a good family," said Harry Burney, who was at the funeral to support other family members whom he also knew well.

‘Fair and honest’

Friends and members of the business community shared fond memories of Singleton.

"He was a gentle person. He didn’t speak loud. He used his quietness to do what was best for the community,’’ said Pat Heard, a member of the Second Avenue Merchants Association (SAMA).

Noted Johnny Pride, president of SAMA, whose business was located across the street from Singleton Cleaners: "We would look out for each other.’’

"He was a former vice president of SAMA. We did business with each other. He was fair and honest," Pride added.

Etavis Russ, a retired Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard business owner, said she had known Singleton since 1972.

"I just talked to him last Monday. I just started back doing business with him. We always talked about business. My barbershop used to be next to him. He always was talking about helping other merchants," she said. "I had a chance to witness to him. We talked about the Bible and I gave him some Scriptures. I want to send my condolences out to his family.’’

‘Cared about the community’

Gussie Cason, a customer who lived within walking distance and visited Singleton’s business regularly, called him "a beautiful person. He was always willing to talk to you.’’

Pastor Frank Russ said Singleton was "always friendly and kind to anyone. He cared about the community.’’

Singleton was married to Azaline Singleton-Zeigler and they had a son, Calvis Taft Singleton II of New Smyrna Beach. He also is survived by two sisters, Sen. Gloria Singleton-Butler, Atlanta; and Evangeline Singleton-Davis (Ronald), Ormond Beach; and other relatives.

Herbert Thompson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.