Little, John Randolph, Sr.

World War II Veteran Held Long Career With State Farm Insurance Company

  • Tuesday, November 7, 2017
John Randolph Little
John Randolph Little

John Randolph Little, Sr. was born on June 18, 1923, in Lafayette, Georgia.

He graduated from Lafayette High School. After high school he began a successful sales career at the News Free Press under his mentor Everett Allen. He was a distinguished World War II veteran serving as a bombardier on a B29.  He followed the service to his country by entering the University of Chattanooga where he was a member of Sigma Chi. There he met and married his true love, Sue Wilson Little. They were married on June 4, 1949. In 1952 he began a long successful career in Chattanooga as an agent and executive with State Farm Insurance Company. He retired after 41 years in 1993. His State Farm legacy continues through his sons, John Little, Jr. and Jim Little.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Ruth Head Little, father, Lester D. Little, and sister, Margaret L. Wheeler.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sue Wilson Little, brother, Lester Little, daughter, Jane Little of Fort Myers, FL, John Little Jr. (Sally) of Chattanooga, son, Jim Little (Jann) of Chattanooga, and daughter, Elizabeth Little Boyles (John) of Lookout Mountain, GA. He was blessed with seven grandchildren,    Katherine Odum (Michael), Caroline Baker (Todd), Sally Nelson (Sam), Jim Little, Jr., Sarah Little, Mary Boyles Zachary (Zach), and Martha Boyles. Three great grandchildren, Jasper and Poppy Odum, and Teddy Baker.

Cross of Christ Lutheran Church was an important part of his life. He talked many times over the last few years of his desire to commemorate the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation. He made it!

His love of sports, especially golf, were an enjoyable part of his life. For many years he was a regular in the dogfights at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club. He was also a longtime member of The Mountain City Club.

The love of his family dominated his existence.

The family would like to thank the staff of Thrive at Brow Wood, Lookout Mountain, Ga., and Dr. Richard Peters for the wonderful care he received. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charities, Chattanooga Food Bank, Community Kitchen, or The Salvation Army.

A service to commemorate his life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 7, with visitation from 10-11 a.m., with the service following at 11 a.m. The location is Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 3204 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga TN 37415.

Lane Funeral Home is assisting the family. 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415.

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