Paris Tom Little, Jr

Paris Tom Little, Jr. 85, died peacefully at home on March 28, 2009, after a period of declining health.

Tom loved to hear and tell stories. His own story began in Smyth County, Virginia in an area called The Cove. When he has 12 years old, his family moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, where he lived for the remainder of his life. In 1943 he met and married his beloved wife, Doris, and six weeks after their marriage, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps, being inducted at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. He served with the 331st Bombardment Group in the Western Pacific and Air Offensive Japan Campaigns, working as an airplane mechanic, based on Guam. He was honorably discharged in March, 1946 as a sergeant.

Tom was the founder of two local businesses, Little & Adams, Inc. and A&L Industrial Construction & Maintenance. He loved his work and the interaction he had with employees and clients, and was actively involved in both businesses. These were family businesses, and he cared for his employees with the same camaraderie and goodwill as if they were a part of his family.

As a member for over 70 years, Tom helped to build Colonial Heights United Methodist Church to what it is todaya€"he defined what it means to be a member of the body of Christ, and he let this active faith define him. He was a member of the Upper Room Sunday School class and served on many committees throughout his life at the church. He used his hands and his knowledge of construction to build and grow this church of boards and brick, with carpentry skills he learned from his father. Moreover, he used his servant's heart to represent the church and the Methodist creed outside the building's physical walls, embodying Christ to business associates, fellow club members, neighbors, and even casual acquaintances. With Tom's passing, our community has lost an extraordinary member.

Tom loved to hunt and fish, and had a wide variety of interests, including memberships in the Antique Studebaker Club, Rotary Club of Kingsport, American Legion Post #03, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Kingsport York Rite Bodies, Knoxville Scottish Rite, Jericho Temple, and Sinking Creek Lodge # 575. Tom cherished the relationships he forged with many members of these organizations.

Tom lived his life as fully and richly as was possible. He always approached life with honor, honesty, goodwill, integrity, curiosity, enthusiasm, wisdom, and an abiding respect for his fellow man. In his humble manner, he often said he was "so blessed" in his life, which was true; moreover, he was a blessing to all who knew and loved him. Tom was a builder of relationships, and he built a sense of family and belonging with everyone he knew. Tom chose to build these relationships and his life on a strong personal foundation of faith. It is because of this firm foundation that these relationships, and Tom's model of Christian friendship, will live on. Tom has left a rich personal story, and this legacy will abide in the hearts of all whom he touched. Our family would be remiss if we did not say outwardly just how very much we revered him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paris Tom Little, Sr. and Rachel Virginia Little, two infant brothers, and three sisters - Nannie Little, Mae Little, and O'Dare Kidd, and his loving wife of 65 years, Doris, who passed away on March 11, 2009.

He is survived by his two daughters - Jane Adams and husband Roy, Rachel Lanthorn and husband Wayne; three granddaughters - Tabitha Sells and husband Sean, Dr. Hayley Evans and husband David, and Dr. Hannah Harvey and husband Joseph; three great-grandchildren - Henry and Tillie Sells, and Gabriella Evans; sister, Mary Schwartz and husband Irv; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family is most grateful to all of his caregivers, medical providers, and Hospice nurses who were invaluable in the excellent care they provided him.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 30, 2009 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church with the Rev. Thomas Seay and Dr. Angela Hardy Cross officiating. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #3/265. Masonic Funeral Rites will be conducted by the Sinking Creek Lodge # 575.

Family will serve as pall bearers. Honorary pall bearers will be current and former employees.