Gary E Little

Gary Evans Little (Lt. Col. USAF Ret.), age 77, passed away at home in Montgomery, AL, on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, with his loving family. Gary was born in Branchville, IN on October 22, 1934, to George and Anna Goldman Little, a farmer and teacher. He grew up on a farm in Franklin, KY and graduated from Franklin Simpson High School in 1953. Gary received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Western Kentucky University and a Masters degree in Agriculture from the University of Kentucky. Gary was married to Della Moses Little, his high school sweetheart, for 57 years and they had three daughters and countless pets. Gary had a 24 year distinguished Air Force career, rising to the rank of Lt. Col. Over the years, he flew 10 types of aircraft, serving also as an instructor, Chief Safety Officer, recruiter, Vietnam Veteran, Commander of the USAF ROTC program at Nicholls State University. He also served as a Liaison Officer coordinating Presidential flights in cooperation with the CIA and flew burn patients into the military hospital in San Antonio. After retirement, Gary was a contractor, and a dedicated staff member at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he was a member for 36 years. He had a heart for serving others and was a leader in numerous church and civic groups including Methodist Men, Optimist Club, PTA, and a lay leader of the church. He had a lifelong passion for hunting, fishing, projects and keeping his family involved in their Indiana roots.Most importantly, he loved the Lord and his family. Gary is survived by his wife, Della, and three daughters, Kathy Little Henneberg, Atlanta, GA, Karen Little Collum, Montgomery, AL, and Sandra Little Loftis (Jon), Richmond, VA. He had five grandchildren, Lauren and Jeffrey Henneberg, Derek (Rebekah) and Amanda Loftis, Lindsey Collum, a great grandson, Luke Collum and a brother, Joe Little of Camden, AL. The funeral will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 22, 2012 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery, AL with Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson’s Association of Alabama, P.O. Box 590146 Birmingham, AL 35259 or to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116.