Shamsher Singh

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Professor Shamsher Singh, a cherished husband, father, educator, and pillar of the Fort Valley community.

Born to Risalder Major Shubram and Dhan Kaur Singh in Bhaproda, India on January 5, 1943, he was the youngest of 9 children. After completing his higher secondary studies in Mussoorie, India, Mr. Singh moved to the United States in 1962. He attended West Virginia State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in History/Liberal Arts, and later receiving a Master’s from Marshall University in Political Science. It was while in West Virginia, he met the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Faye (Pugh) Singh.

Mr. Singh joined Fort Valley State University as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science from 1969–1979. He left FVSU to undertake postgraduate studies at Georgia State University, eventually joining the Georgia Department of Corrections as a Mental Health Counselor. Mr. Singh retired in 1998.

Known around town simply as “Singh,” his love for foreign cars led to the opening of S&S Automotive in 1981 in Fort Valley. Even after closing the shop, he kept many of his old cars and was constantly building and rebuilding them as a hobby.

Mr. Singh is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Faye Pugh Singh; daughters Alya Singh-White (Maurice) of Cumming, GA, and Millicent of Fort Valley, GA; grandsons Aidan and Ethan White of Cumming, GA; sisters-in-law Geneva Pugh of Wyco, West Virginia, Rebecca Pugh of Beckley, West Virginia, niece Dr. Vinita Singh and her son Arjun Goriganti of Baltimore, Maryland, godson Sam Haugabook (Shonitra) of Fort Valley, GA, and devoted friend Mrs. Carmaneila Green of Jacksonville, FL. A host of family and friends remain in India and locally to grieve his loss.

Mr. Singh’s wisdom, quiet compassion, and unwavering dedication to being the best one can be touched countless lives. Though he has departed, his legacy lives on in the minds he shaped and the hearts he inspired.