When Boy Scouts of America announced inductees to the group’s 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership, Warner Robins resident Charles Singleton was among nearly 300 chosen for the award.
“It’s a huge honor,” Singleton said. “Just being nominated is an honor, so I am very humbled by the award.”
Singleton has been a leader with Troop 566 for the past 45 years. He was chosen for the award because of his dedication to and enthusiasm for Boy Scouts of America and the youth of Central Georgia, according to a news release. He has made a significant difference in the lives of others through the service he has given and the scouting virtues he has modeled, the release states.
“Charles Singleton represents all that we hold up to the youth we serve — courage, perseverance and personal character,” Garrett Williams, Scout executive at the Central Georgia Council, said in the release. “His leadership and dedication to service in the scouting community and in our city are without equal.
“This is a once-in-a-century honor,” Williams continued. “We’re honoring, recognizing and thanking our Scouts, leaders and volunteers for the extraordinary differences they have made in the lives of others through their leadership.”
One inductee from each of the nearly 300 councils nationwide was named to the National Hall of Leadership.
“Getting this award like this, one of 300 Scout leaders in the United States and a one-time thing that won’t ever happen again, validates what (Singleton) has done by his peers,” said Tim Loudin, scoutmaster of Troop 566.
“We see these boys, now men, come back and what they accomplished in their life. Charlie is such an influence on people, he is part of that accomplishment.”
Singleton, the oldest of six children, grew up in South Carolina. He was voted most likely to succeed at Myrtle Beach High School. He attended Columbia Commercial College, graduating in June 1949 with a diploma in office management.
After discharge from the Air Force, he attended the University of South Carolina under the GI Bill and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering in August 1959. He then accepted a position at Robins Air Force Base as an electronics engineer.
He has been a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1962 and has held numerous positions there. Most significant is his dedication to Boy Scout Troop 566, sponsored by Trinity, in which he has held such positions as chief administrative officer, treasurer and troop committee chairman during the past 45 years. Singleton’s leadership has produced 166 Eagle Scouts in Troop 566, far above the national average.
“Charlie Singleton is probably the most dedicated Scout leader I have ever known,” said Chris Rhonemus, one of the assistant Scout masters for the troop.
Rhonemus said Singleton, even after being confined to a wheelchair, has remained just as dedicated to Scouting.
“He had his van converted, so he could still get to the meetings,” Rhonemus said. “He has a surplus of Scouting knowledge that we all tap into to help lead the troop.”
Contact Alline Kent at 396-2467 or allinekent@cox.net.
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