By Doug “Doc” Stauffer
Some people attend community events. Paul Singleton has become part of the community itself.
In June, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce honored longtime Chamber Ambassador Paul Singleton in a way that was both fitting and unforgettable. The occasion marked two remarkable milestones: Paul’s 93rd birthday and his 2,000th Chamber event, an extraordinary record of faithfulness that began back in 1976.
That kind of commitment is almost hard to comprehend. For nearly five decades, Paul has shown up for ribbon cuttings, Ambassador meetings, business expos, grand openings, and countless gatherings where local businesses and community leaders come together. He has not merely attended events; he has encouraged people, supported businesses, built friendships, and brightened rooms with his presence.
The celebration at Home2 Suites by Hilton at Freedom Tech Center was filled with laughter, warmth, and the kind of personal touches that made everyone feel the affection behind it. Paul was dressed in a green robe, wearing a crown, and holding a sceptre, looking every bit like the reigning king of Chamber ribbon cuttings. Adding to the fun was a large clock featuring Paul’s face, a playful substitute for a gold Rolex and a perfect reminder that, around the Chamber, it has been “Paul time” for a very long time.
And then there was Ted Corcoran, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, doing what only Ted can do. He made the celebration meaningful, memorable, and full of heart. Ted surrounded Paul with the ladies, added the right amount of humor, and made sure the day communicated something deeper than ceremony. It was gratitude. It was love. It was the community pausing long enough to say thank you to a man who has spent much of his life showing up for others.
There was also a birthday cake and banana pudding, because a 93rd birthday deserves to be celebrated properly. But the real sweetness of the day was seeing Paul enjoy it all with such humility and joy. He has never seemed like a man looking for applause, yet he has certainly earned it.
A verse came to mind while thinking about Paul Singleton: Deuteronomy 34:7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.
While Paul is not quite 120, at 93 he remains spirited, joyful, sharp, and wonderfully present. His eye is not dim when it comes to seeing the good in people, and his natural force certainly does not seem abated when it comes to supporting the Greater Fort Walton Beach community. He is still showing up. Still smiling. Still encouraging. Still making somebody’s day brighter simply by being there.
Immediately following the celebration, Paul did what Paul does. He went on to the grand opening and ribbon cutting for Grow With Us Learning Academy at Freedom Tech Center, adding yet another Chamber appearance to his already incredible total. The new early learning center will serve children and families in the Fort Walton Beach area, making the day even more special as the community celebrated both a new beginning and a living legacy.
Paul Singleton represents the kind of quiet faithfulness that holds communities together. Businesses come and go. Buildings rise and change. Leaders serve their seasons, but people like Paul are the human landmarks. They remind us that encouragement matters, presence matters, and loyalty over a lifetime is a gift beyond measure. Thank you Paul!!!
What an honor it was to attend an event celebrating Paul’s 93rd birthday and his 2,000th Chamber event. What an honor for the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce to have such a pillar in its midst. And what a blessing for all of us to know a man whose joyful spirit continues to shine so brightly.
Paul Singleton may have worn a crown that day for fun, but in many hearts, he has long been royalty.
