Thomas Little, Jr.

January 25, 2016

Rev. Thomas Little, Jr., 78, of Jay, died January 23, 2016, at his home. Mr. Little was born December 12, 1937, in Mosquito Flats on the outskirts of Century to Thomas Little, Sr., and Susie Nelson of Century. Mr. Little graduated from Century High School in 1956.

Mr. Little accepted Christ in his home August 1, 1955, and made a public profession the same night at Cora Baptist Church in Jay. In October 1955, Thomas felt called to preach but did not surrender until August of 1969 while working at Monsanto.

In 1971 Mr. Little moved to Graceville, Fla., to begin his education to enter the ministry at Baptist Bible Institute, where he earned a diploma in theology in 1974. In the fall of 1974, he enrolled in Louisiana College in Pineville, La., where he earned a bachelor degree in theology in 1976. In 1979 he earned a master of divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

While earning his education, Mr. Little served as pastor at two Louisiana churches – the first, Lincecum Baptist Church in Georgetown, La., from 1974 to1977 and Hillsdale Baptist Church in Amite, La., from 1979 to 1980. He would complete his service as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bratt in Florida, beginning in 1980 and serving for 10 years. Rev. Little suffered a massive heart attack causing him to retire. He and his wife then settled in Jay, where they have lived for the past 26 years.

Rev. Little is survived by two sons, Gilbert (Deb) Little of Ft. Worth, Texas; Jeffrey Little of Pensacola; one daughter, Janet Little Cooper of Jay; one sister, Betty (Lamar) White of Atmore; three grandchildren, Meredith Little of Dallas, Texas; Austin Cooper and Bryant Cooper, both of Jay.

Rev. Little was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 55 years, Joyce Carnley Little; and granddaughter, Reagan Reid Little.

The family would like to thank Summer Stuckey with Covenant Hospice for the compassionate care of their father for the last year of his life and Sharon Murrell for her love and care for their father since their mother’s death.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, from 5-8 pm at Jay Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church with Pastor Delbert Redditt and Pastor LaDon Hall officiating.

Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Go Fund Me account of Mr. Little’s grandson, Bryant Cooper, who is currently battling cancer – Standing with Coop. Or by mail to 2653 Nelsontown Road, Jay, FL, 32565.

Comments

One Response to “Thomas Little, Jr.”

  1. Linda on January 26th, 2016 10:04 am

    The saying “Parting is such great sorrow”, it truly is—no matter what. God is good and gives us strength somehow. I have had loss recently and I know many members of this family and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all. GOD BLESS!
    Love, Linda (Black) Davis

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries