John Wesley Little Jr.

J. Wesley “Wes” Little, Jr., 83 of Tucson, AZ passed away on December 30, 2014. Born March 2, 1931 in Portales NM, he was preceded in death by his life long love of 61 years Jean Little as well as their daughter Barbara Kay Little.

A native of Silver City, NM, Wes is a third generation grocer. He began his career as a butcher working in the family store. He served two years as a radio operator with the 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War conflict. Jean and Wes were married June 10, 1951 in T or C, NM. They moved to Fry, AZ (now known as Sierra Vista) in 1954 and opened Fry Stores. He was a charter member of the Sierra Vista Elks Club, the Rotary Club and the Lion’s Club. He served as President and on the Board of Director’s when the first building of Buena High School was built. After merging with Sharps Market in 1962 they relocated to Tucson.

In January 1965 they founded the Quik Mart Stores. With 26 locations throughout Pima County, Quik Mart Stores is a locally owed and operated convenience store chain currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Involved in many organizations Wes served the grocery industry as President of Retail Grocers Association of AZ. In 1985 his peers named him Grocer of the Year and he was inducted into the AZ Food Industry Hall of Fame in 1999. He was also involved in the National Advisory Group, National Association of Convenience Stores and the AZ Food Marketing Alliance.

Wes spent many years actively involved in his church, serving on many committees. He also spent years serving in many capacities in organizations such as the Wildcat Club, Executive Association of Tucson, DM50, the Fiesta Bowl and the Rotary Club. Wes was past President of Pinetop Country Club and was currently serving on the Board of The Mountain Oyster Club. Other than his love for his wife, children and grandchildren his passion was sports, football, basketball and golf. For over 50 years Wes was actively involved in the University of Arizona Wildcat Club, rarely missing a football or basketball game. He also loved watching and playing golf.

Wes is survived by his three children, his daughters Lesley Little Sisk-Webb of Greensboro, NC, Shelly Little Gibbons of Tucson and his son Troy (Natali) Little of Tucson. “Granddad” is also survived by his six grandchildren, one great grandson as well as his two sisters Glenda Maud and Charlene Webb from Green Valley.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 from 5pm to 7pm at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 E. Grant Road. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 a 1:00pm at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft Lowell, Tucson 85719 with Rev. Joe Stewart officiating. A graveside service will be immediately following at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. The Celebration of Life will continue with a reception at Tucson Country Club, 2958 N. Camino Principal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Community Food Bank of Southern AZ., 3003 S. Country Club, Tucson, AZ 85713.