William “Billy” Carlton Singleton, 100, a centenarian, born April 2, 1926 to the late Judge Henry and Vera Marie Simms Singleton, and died peacefully at his home in Pickens on September 2, 2026. Billy was the consummate family man, church member and the hardest worker you will ever know. His priorities in life were God, his church and his family. However, not far behind, were Clemson, golf and tennis! Billy never met a stranger, had a wicked sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller.
Billy married Mary Elizabeth Bivens on August 14, 1948. They were married 68 years at the time of her death. Together they had three children: Susan (Terry) Houston, Cass (Tommy) Smothers, Hal (Lisa) Singleton. Billy had seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one brother, Dickie Singleton.
Billy was a veteran of the Naval Air Corp during WWII. He graduated from Clemson College in 1951 will a degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he went to work with his father at Pickens Oil Company.
Billy was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for nearly 90 years. He held every leadership position imaginable. He always reached out his hand to those in need. He kept the church grounds until he was 97 years old. His life was a living testimony of faithfulness, humility and service. His work in the earthly church and in the Church Triumphant will bear lasting fruit for generations to come. God surely welcomed him to heaven with these words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”
In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his two brothers, Kenneth and Jimmy Singleton.
The family will receive friends in the home from 2 – 5 p.m. on Monday, September 7th. Services will be held at Grace United Methodist church on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Dr. Joe Durham, Rev. Brenda Durham and Rev. Valerie Mireb, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Billy has requested that memorials be sent to: Grace United Methodist Church 309 E. Cedar Rock St. Pickens, SC 29671, or the Pickens Senior Center 129 Schoolhouse St. Pickens, SC 29671
