Ronald W. Little Sr.
SMITHFIELD—Ronald Wilson “Ronnie” Little Sr., 64, died May 13, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Isle of Wight County.
Mr. Little was a U.S. Navy veteran. For more than 20 years, he was the maintenance director at Riverside Convalescent Center, Smithfield. He was an avid flyer. He enjoyed gospel music, both playing his guitar and singing, and sometimes just to listen.
He loved the Pons and Mill Swamp areas of the county and especially his grandparents Little’s farm.
He was passionate with working with his hands. He assisted with the completion of the parsonage at Mill Swamp Baptist Church, where he was a member, and where his grandfather, the Rev. Holzbach was minister for many years.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, the Rev. L.E. and Myrtle Holzbach; paternal grandparents, Vernon and Dolly Little; and his father, F. Wilson Little.
Survivors include his son, Ron Little Jr. and wife Katie and grandchildren, Jack and Nate; his devoted mother, Frances H. Little; his sister, Patricia L. Batten and husband T. Vasco; his brother, Edwin Little; beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and special friends.
The family expresses special thanks to Heartland Hospice and to his caregivers, Valda, Hortense, Betty, Lona and Debbie for their love and support during his illness.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in Colonial Funeral Home and other times in the home of Patricia and Vasco Batten.
A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in Mill Swamp Baptist Church, with the Revs. Jim Jones and Billy Gardner officiating.
A reception prepared in the family’s honor will follow in the church’s family life center.
Burial will be private.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Mill Swamp Baptist Church, 8100 Mill Swamp Road, Ivor, VA 23866 or to the IOW Relay for Life, c/o Ms. Lois Little, P.O. Box 4, Rescue, VA 23424.