Bill E. Little

Bill E. Little, 90, of Seven Mile Ford, Virginia, passed away peacefully into his Savior’s arms on November 30, 2025.

Born on October 12, 1935, in Tazewell, Virginia, Bill lived a full and meaningful life rooted in faith, family, community, and service. A proud veteran, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from 1955 to 1957. During his military service, he joined the elite 82nd Airborne Division and completed over 30 parachute jumps. Bill was also selected to march in the Inaugural Parade for President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1957. He was selected as “Best Dressed” while in the Army and stayed true to this superlative for the rest of his life. If you wanted a pair of shoes or boots to shine and look like new, he was the man for the job. His time in the military instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and commitment that would guide him throughout his life. After his military service, Bill married the love of his life, Jeanette Meade Little. They spoke often of how they found true love in each other from a very young age. Shortly after they married, they relocated from Tazewell to Chilhowie and Seven Mile Ford and made it their home for the remainder of their 62 years together. Bill was always such a hard worker, starting his first job working on a milk truck and driving a school bus while attending high school. He valued making his own way while never putting emphasis on money or wealth. He had a multitude of jobs from Pennsylvania to Maryland and across Virginia before he got a full-time position with Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in Marion, Virginia, as a route salesman. Bill retired from Pepsi in 1997. While still working at Pepsi, Bill became the proud owner of Little’s Quick Check in Seven Mile Ford—a country store he operated alongside his beloved wife Jeanette for over four decades. The store became more than just a business. Little’s was a gathering place for the community and a reflection of Bill and Jeanette’s dedication to hard work and hospitality. Bill’s faith was central to his life. He served in several churches in his community and held close relationships with his late Pastors Fred Bonham, Carl White, and Sam Rasnake. His devotion to God was unwavering. He would wake up early before work every morning to make sure he had enough time to read his Bible. He often spoke of how Christ (and his wife Jeanette) transformed his life for the better. Known for offering sound and Godly advice, Bill possessed a natural wisdom that extended far beyond formal education. Bill found joy in simple pleasures, like a can of Pepsi and a Little Debbie cake while watching a good Western or the Andy Griffith Show. He loved a Sunday afternoon drive, classic cars, and watching the traffic pass his house on Route 11. He cherished growing flowers and piddling around the house and at his pool. He had a remarkable ability to bring beauty into everyday life through his gardening. Bill's legacy is one of faithfulness—to God, to family, to country—and of quiet strength that uplifted those around him. His humble nature, kind heart, and sharp sense of humor left lasting impressions on all who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Jeanette Meade Little; parents William H. and Rose Little; brother, Bobby Joe Little; mother- and father-in-law, Robert P. and Mary M. Meade; brothers-in-law, Larry (Mabel), Forest (Marie), Lawrence (Jenny), and Paul (Wanda) Meade; sisters-in-law, Beatrice (Luther) Lyons, Juanita (Jack) Britts, and Geneva (J.C.) Johnson; and special friend Charlie Keen.

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Mike (Mary Ann) Little; daughter Lisa (Dean) Berry. He adored his grandchildren and to them he was known as Popaw, Poppy, and Pops. Grandchildren left with so many wonderful memories are Brooke (Junior) Hylton, Michael (Crystal) Little, Kayla Berry, and Marcus Little; great-grandchildren Christian, Ethan, & Abby Hylton; Paisley Stillwell; Landon Hash; special sister-in-law and brother-in-law Margaret & Leo Wyatt; several special nieces and nephews; and dear friends Jeff Blevins & Jeff Shuler.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion, Va. with Pastor Jerry Eggers officiating & Military Rites rendered by the U.S. Army Funeral Honors Guard & Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers or food for the family, please consider making a donation in Bill’s honor to Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry of Chilhowie, P.O. Box 376, Chilhowie, VA 24319 or online at www.loavesfishesva.com.

To share memories of Bill E. Little, please visit www.seaverbrown.com Care for Bill has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion VA 24354.