Charles W. Little

Obituary: Charles W. Little, Jr., 92 of Concord passed away Monday, September 12, 2016 at home. Charles W. Little, Jr. was a God-fearing man. He loved the Lord and was not afraid to tell you he was a changed man by the grace of God. As a child of God he became a loving husband to his wife Ola, a dependable father to his three children, an unforgettable grandfather to his six grandkids, and a blessed great-grandfather to five. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Navy and would have probably served again if given the opportunity. His love and dedication to his God, his family, and this country was unmatched. C.W. entered the US Navy at age 18 in World War II (1942-1946). During his time in the navy, he was a Coxswain and drove a LST (Higgins Boat). His job was to transport troops to the beach as part of the Beach Patrol. He served in the South Pacific at New Guinea, Milne Bay, Finchhaven, Hollandia, Philippines, Leyte, Lemery, Subic Bay, San Fernando, Samar, Mendoro, Luzon, Panorn, Legaspi, Batangus, Sydney, Australia, Brisbane, Australia, and Townsville, Australia. He was a Proud Navy Veteran. After service, his working career began at Kerr Bleachery where he helped start the 3rd shift operation. He worked at the following throughout his career, Locke Mill, Bost Bakery, Sunbeam Bakery, McLean Trucking Co., and finally twenty six years with Pilot Freight Carriers before retiring. After retiring, he worked for Piedmont Lumber Co. and GMC/Volvo Truck Parts part time and then retired again. Growing up with C.W. you would have learned the right way to drink a cup of coffee - sitting at the breakfast table, reading the newspaper, slurping it through your teeth then saying, "Ahh, that tastes good." You also would have been taught how to ride a bike from the most esteemed cyclist this side of the Mississippi who guaranteed you would be riding it by yourself by the end of the afternoon. In the Summer months you would have tasted some of the best homegrown vegetables planted and picked by the man himself. If you hung around long enough you would have learned how to read a paper map as he planned the yearly road trip to Wyoming. There wasn't much you couldn't learn from this man. He was even a respected chef who taught you the right way to scramble an egg and cook a pot of cabbage stew. If you ever went to church with him and wanted to sit next to him he would remind you that he sat on the "amen" pew. If you were going to sit there you had to say "Amen!" at least once during the sermon. One of the most important things he taught all who survived him - what it meant to be saved. He loved the Lord and his desire was to please Him. He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church and held various positions during his time at Sharon including Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of Board of Deacons, Bus Ministry, Senior Ministry and Choir Director As C.W. entered Heaven on Monday evening we know Jesus, along with those who passed before him, were excited to meet him there. He is preceded in death by his wife Ola S. Little, Father and Mother, Charles Walter Little, Sr. and Bertha Launa Beauchamp, Brother Bobby Lee Little and Sister Doris Ann Little Moose. C.W. left a legacy for all of those who survived him. His three children, Jody Edwards and husband Randy; Vera Drye and husband Steve; and Tracy Little and wife Robin. His six grandchildren Courtney E. Wyatt and husband Michael, Brooks Little and wife Kara, Heath Drye and wife Caroline, Jenna Little and boyfriend Travis Wilkinson, Katherine Gonzalez and husband Matt, and Colton Edwards and girlfriend Justine Apolinar, Crystal Kirchbaum and husband Jeff. His eight great-grandchildren Brayden Little, Walker,and Corey Wyatt, Lexie Davis, Gerin Hill, Aiden and Ian Kirchbaum, and MaKayla Wilkinson. His Brother Gary D. Little and his wife Louise, and Sisters Carolyn L. Fox and Betty L. Cook and a number of beloved nieces and nephews, as well as many dear friends. Over the years C. W. has enjoyed hunting and camping trips which included all family members. Since 1969, he made trips to Wyoming to hunt Mule Deer and Antelope. Lots of great memories and tons of pictures are often shared at family gatherings. Services will be held at Parkwood Baptist Church, 1069 Central Drive NW in Concord, Thursday Sept. 15. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 and North Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief, with checks made to NCBM, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Special thanks to Hospice and all the care givers who took wonderful care of our dad. You will never know how much we appreciate each of you. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com, Kannapolis, who is serving the family.
Visitation: 10:00 to 11:30 AM Thursday September 15, 2016 Parkwood Baptist Church

Service: 11:30 AM Thursday September 15, 2016 Parkwood Baptist Church

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park