Gary Wayne Little, age 73, left his earthly vessel and went to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. He was at home in Lynn, Alabama surrounded by his loving family.
His dad had affectionately nicknamed him “Bugs” as a child and many of his family and friends called him that until he succumbed to his long battle with cancer.
Gary attended Lynn High School where he graduated in 1969. He remained close friends with several of his classmates. Gary was a member of the Lynn Church of Christ. He served for six years in the Army National Guard out the Haleyville unit.
While in high school, he knew he wanted to work with heavy equipment. After graduation, he went to work with Hardwick Construction Company, helping to build the interstate from Birmingham to Atlanta. He later went to work with Drummond Coal Company as a heavy equipment operator loading coal. He retired from Drummond after 33 plus years of service. It was hard work, but he loved his job; he seldom ever missed a day.
Gary’s strong work ethic began when he was a teenager. He worked after school at Holiday Homes and on weekends and during the summers worked with his dad at Ray Motor Company in Haleyville as a mechanic. Gary and his father could tear a vehicle apart and put it back together. Later in life, you could see him on Friday nights at the concession stand at LHS cooking funnel cakes.
Gary had a good heart and would gladly help anyone- friend, school, church, or community. Most of the time, it was done anonymously. If you were a friend of his, he would give you the shirt off his back.
He married the love of his life, Peggy Western. He would tell everyone that for him, it was love at first sight. That love stood strong for over 50 years. They had a happy home based on faith, love, trust, and respect. They had two sons, Kevin Wayne and John Christopher. He loved his sons so much and was very proud of them- he told them this often, but it was shown to them daily in his actions.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Marlon D. “Jack” Little and Patsy Rose Little; grandparents, Herman and Ruby Little and Council and Ethel Rose; mother and father-in-law, Gladys Western Tittle and Carl Tittle; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Peggy; sons, Kevin and Christopher; brother and sister-in-law, John and Elaine Western; nephews Juston (Megan) Western, Matthew (Katie) Western; several aunts, cousins, and friends; and his beloved fur babies, Django and Sally who brought love and joy to his life.
Visitation will be Monday, March 11, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m at Nichols Funeral Home where the service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be at Lynn Cemetery. Gary Wakefield will officiate.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.nicholsfuneralhomes.com
