Rev. Bruce D. Little, age 83, passed through death into eternal life May 15 at his home in Brandon, Mississippi. He was born in Buffalo, NY and at age twelve moved with his family to St. Petersburg, FL. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army with assignments in the U.S. and Europe.
Following his military service, Bruce entered the field of law enforcement beginning as a deputy in the Pinellas County Florida’s sheriff’s department where he rose to the rank of detective on the Vice and Intelligence Squad.
In 1971, he enrolled at Florida State University and graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Criminology and immediately entered on duty with the FBI as a special agent. Bruce served as an FBI agent in the New Orleans and Jackson, MS divisions. While living in Gulfport MS, he sustained a line of duty injury during a fugitive apprehension.
Following his Bureau service, Bruce answered a call to full time Christian Ministry in the United Methodist Church.
In 1984, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Candler School of Theology at Emory University (Master of Divinity). Bruce was ordained an Elder in the MS Methodist Conference and pastored churches throughout Mississippi until he retired in 2003. At this time, he relocated to Jackson Tennessee where he continued to serve for twenty years in different congregations in West, TN.
He is survived by his wife Glenda Bishop Little of Brandon, MS. His two sons Jeremy Little (Mandy) of Jackson, TN and Scott Little (Terica) of Barlow, KY. His bonus children Barry Watts (Kellie) and Warren Watts (Shelbie) of Brandon, MS and Lauren Watts Tigrett of Tupelo, MS. His grands are Josh and Will Little, Ben and Brody Little, Brandon Hauswald, Dillon Fancher, Sienna Watts, Rylee Watts, Townsend Watts, Rory Watts, Tucker Watts, Chelsea Hicklin (Thomas), Kayla Little and Alyssa Little. Great-Grands are Kenzie, Mason, Julian, and Hope.
He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews from NY & TX to FL, all who loved their “dear Uncle Bruce.”
He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-seven years, Jeannie Olsen Little, his brothers, Russ Little and Dick Little and his sisters, Joyce Stroke and Cheryl Stone.
A Celebration of Life Service honoring Bruce’s life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 1528 Presbyterian Drive, Humboldt TN 38343.
The family will be receiving friends at the church beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing until the service time.
All are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the National Cemetery in Corinth, MS with full military honors.
A reception will follow at First Methodist Church on Shiloh Rd in Corinth MS.
In lieu of flowers, Bruce has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital through their website at www.stjude.org.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
