James Little, Sr

James Marshall Little Sr., 97 years of age, of Midland, passed away Friday, November 14, 2014 at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Marshall was born August 16, 1917 in Union County to the late Henry Dumas Little and the late Martha Sophronia Little.
He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helen McEachern Little; daughter, Helen Carol Morrison and husband Wade; two brothers; and seven sisters.

Marshall quit school and helped make a living for his family after the passing of his father. He stayed out for four years and then graduated from Fairview High School. He went to NC State University and took their Cotton Course and later owned and operated two cotton gins and bought and sold cotton for many years, as well as raised many acres of cotton. This was back when cotton was picked by hand and carried to the gin in wagons. He also owned and ran a General Merchandise store in Allen (Allen Station, between Midland and Charlotte, on Highway 24/27).

Along this same time he and his wife, Helen operated a bus to transport workers to the mills in Kannapolis. They did this until the depression ended and workers had their own transportation. He later went into Land Development with J.L. Carpenter and C.S. Austin. This was an enjoyable venture and profitable to each family. The last venture was land development with his family, children, spouses and grandchildren. He taught his family very much about how to operate a successful business and they will have this knowledge to use for years to come.

He loved to tell his "stories" and there were many very entertaining stories to tell. Truly, with his passing, a "Library has burned down."

He loved the Lord, his church, and his family. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, the Methodist Men, was a 32nd Degree Mason, and belonged to the Midland Lion's Club until its dissolution. He helped many people have homes and did many things to help them have better lives.

He also raised Beagles for many years, and enjoyed taking care of them, and hunting rabbits with friends, his son, and grandsons.

The family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The funeral service will be at 10am on Monday, November 17, 2014 at Bethel United Methodist Church and will be officiated by Rev. Mark Clontz and assisted by Rev. Jeremy Brackett. Burial will follow at the church cemetery at 12700 Idlebrook Road, Midland.

Survivors include son, "Jimmy" (Marian) Little, Jr. of Midland; daughter, Lillian (Jerry) Linder of Summerville, SC; grandchildren, James "Jamey" (Kelley) Little, III; Elizabeth Ann (Dave) McEachern, Robert Lynwood Little, Henry Trent Little, Joy (Joel) Steelmon, Jay (Stefanie) Linder, Laura M. (Kevin) Pennell, and Calvin M. Morrison; two great-grandsons, Jason and Christopher Little; eleven great-grandchildren, Jason and Christopher Little, Summer L. Krismanits, McKenzie H. Summers, Holly, Emily, and Matthew Pennell, Ryan and Olivia Morrison, and Lennon and Cassie Callicutt; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to: Debra Crowell, Walter "Bo" Love, Rita Scorsim, the doctors and staff of 3rd and 5th floors at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, and the staff of Clear Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund, 12700 Idlebrook Road, Midland, NC 28107; or New Hope United Methodist Church Memorial Fund (Music) at 1253 Jedburg Rd, Summerville, SC 29483.

Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Little family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com.