Kalan Roger Singletary, better known to the people who loved him as “Big Daddy”, was born on February 20, 1973, and passed away on September 7, 2026.
If you knew Kalan, you knew there was no place he would rather be than on his boat with a fishing pole in his hand, enjoying the water and doing what he loved. Wewa was home away from home, and on the water was where he was happiest. He could spend hours fishing, riding around on his boat, and making memories that his family will hold onto forever.
And if you knew Kalan, you also knew he had his own style and was perfectly happy in his shorts, t-shirt, and of course his Wewa hat. You could find him dressed that way just about anywhere he went. He didn’t need fancy clothes to make an impression – that’s just how he was.
If Kalan’s biggest catch in life wasn’t found in the water—it was his friends and family.
His two boys, Tyler Singletary and Doodle Murphy, were his pride and joy. He loved those boys with everything he had and was always proud to call them his sons.
If you ever watched one of his boys play ball, chances are you remember seeing Kalan too. He was the dad walking up and down the sideline during his boys’ games, showing up and cheering them on. He didn’t just show up for his boys—he showed up loud and proud. Those sidelines became part of his story, and so many people will remember seeing him there, supporting his boys in the way only he could.
Kalan became “Big Daddy” when his first grandchild, Rip Murphy, was born. From that day forward, being “Big Daddy” was one of the greatest roles of his life. He loved being a grandfather and he made sure to devote special time to Rip. Every Wednesday night, Big Daddy made it a point to come see Rip. Those Wednesday night dinners may have seemed like simple moments at the time, but they are now priceless memories that will be treasured forever.
And then came Scottlynn Singletary, who quickly became another light in Big Daddy’s life. He was so proud to have a little girl. His grandchildren, Rip and Scottlynn, were truly the bright spots in his day. Being their Big Daddy was one of the greatest joys of his life.
And then there was Kansas, his fiancé and the love of his life.
Kansas knew that when she gave her heart, it would be to someone truly special. Then she met Kalan, and she knew she had found her person, her soulmate. Their love was genuine, deep, and filled with dreams for their future. They were only two short months away from saying “I DO”.
Though Kalan will not be standing beside her as they had planned, their love will still be honored. Kansas found Kalan, and in him, she found a true and unselfish love.
Kalan is proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents, Hosie Singletary and Grace Blocker Singletary; his maternal grandparents, B. B. Ivey and Imogene Gardner Ivey.
Kalan is survived by his fiancé, Kansas Chambless; his sons Doodle Murphy (Shayna), Graceville, FL and Tyler Singletary (Payton), Grand Ridge, FL; his parents, Roger and Glenda Singletary of Slocomb, AL; his sister, Kristie DeVille (Damien), Lago Vista, Texas; his grandchildren Rip Murphy and Scottlynn Singletary; nephews, Nicholas Watkins, Alexander DeVille, Logan Deville, and niece Savannah Deville, one great niece and two great nephews, and many family members and friends who will miss him more than words can say.
Kalan wasn’t perfect, but he was ours, and he was loved deeply. He had a big heart, a big personality, and a way of leaving a mark on the people around him. His stories, his laughter, his stubborn ways, his shorts and T-shirt, that Wewa hat, his love for fishing, his boat, his sideline dad duties at his boys’ games, his Wednesday night dinners with Rip, and all the memories he made with his friends and family will forever be a part of who he was.
There will always be one more fishing trip we wish we could take with him. One more boat ride. One more Wednesday night dinner. One more game on the sideline. One more story. One more hug.
But maybe now, Kalan is exactly where he belongs.
We like to think he’s up there on a beautiful stretch of water, sitting on his boat with his fishing pole in his hand, wearing his camo shorts, T-shirt, and Wewa hat, watching over all of us and waiting for the rest of his friends and family to join him someday.
Until then, we’ll keep his memory alive by doing what he loved — loving our family, showing up for the people we love, making memories, and maybe throwing a line in the water every now and then.
Rest easy, Big Daddy.
Your boys will carry you in their hearts.
Your grandchildren will grow up knowing just how much you loved them.
Kansas will forever carry the love you two shared.
And the family you were so proud of will never forget you.
Save us a spot on the boat, Big Daddy.
A Celebration of His Life will be 11 AM, Friday, September 11, 2026, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with Dr. Chris Adams officiating. Burial will follow in church cemetery with James & Lipford Funeral Home in Graceville directing.
The family will receive friends at the church 10 AM, until time of the service.
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