July 1, 1929 – June 23, 2012

MONTICELLO — Services for Robert Lewis Little, 82, of Monticello, who died Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Southwest Medical Center in McComb, will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Monticello United Methodist Church.

Burial will follow at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home in Monticello.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Little was born July 1, 1929, in Monticello, the son of Riffe Robert Little and Grace Coon Little.

Mr. Little graduated with honors from Monticello High School in 1946. He attended the University of Mississippi, receiving his bachelor’s degree in geology in 1951.

Robert served in the U.S. Air Force as a F-86 Fighter Pilot 1951 to 1957. Returning to Ole Miss with his family, he earned his master’s degree. Accepting a teaching position at the University of Tennessee, he earned his Ph.D. in 1969.

Dr. Little retired from Valdosta State University as the head of the physics department after working in education for 25 years. He was honored as professor emeritus of physics, astronomy and geology.

Married for 52 years to his wife, Sue, Dr. Little enjoyed flying, fishing, community affairs, church involvement and was very active in the Republican Party and organizations: Squadron Commander Civil Air Patrol, VFW, Lions Club, benefactor member of the NRA and the Animal Rescue League.

Dr. Little was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Fanny Sue Cauthen Little.

Survivors include one daughter, Roberta Trudell Hurd and husband, Steven, of Newport, Vt.; one son, Michael Riffe Little and wife, Judy, of Omaha, Neb.; one sister, Mary Little Peevey of Clinton; four grandchildren, Peter Riffe Hurd, Thomas Albert Hurd, Timothy Michael Little and Christopher John Little; one niece, Wanda Peevey Wright; and one nephew, Mark Andrew Peevy.