John Quincy Little, “Johnny”, of Gaffney, SC, died Sunday, December 22, 2013 at his home place. Mr. Little was born June 5, 1927 in Gaffney, S.C. He was a graduate of Gaffney High School and earned a B.S. degree in Chemistry from The Citadel in 1951. He also did post-graduate work at USC and Emory. After serving in the Navy, he assumed his father’s business and operated Little’s Service Station on Limestone Street in downtown Gaffney for over 40 years. During this time, many problems and issues were resolved through the wonderful and lively conversations he would have with his patrons at his station. He later moved his business to Birnie Street and retired five years ago. He was taken care of by Mr. Jack Smiley at his home. Mr. Little served in public office for thirty-six years. During his tenure, he served as Mayor for six years and as City Councilman for thirty years. He loved serving his community and the John Q. Little Park was commemorated for his good deeds and service. He took pride in his role as City Treasurer and always wanted to put the people’s interest first when making decisions for the city. If you ever attended a council meeting or read the follow-up article in our local newspapers, you would always know where he stood on any issue because of the colorful comments that he would make. Mr. Little was a common man and never met a stranger. His laugh was infectious and he loved telling stories. He was a hard worker and had an incredible work ethic. He was devoted to the people he served in Gaffney. Mr. Little was a lifelong member of Buford Street United Methodist Church. He loved animals and he was an avid swimmer, nicknamed “The Isaac Walton Hardbody.” He was known to his grandchildren as “Big Johnny” and “PaPa”. Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Quay Little and wife, Chrissy, of Gaffney; two daughters, Dr. Quincie Little Moore and husband, Steve, of Gaffney and Queenie Little Hall and husband, Doug, of Rock Hill; a brother, Dever Little, Jr. and wife, Betty, of Landrum; seven grandchildren, Allie Little, Elyse Little, Quint Little, Ida Hall, Ruby Hall, Jenni Saunders and husband, Adam, Mandy Moore; and a great-grandchild, Lizzie Saunders. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 26, 2013 at Buford Street United Methodist Church. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM at the Church with Rev. Linda McNatt officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cherokee County Humane Society, P.O. Box 2223, Gaffney, SC 29342 or Buford Street United Methodist Church, 120 E. Buford Street, Gaffney, SC 29340. The family will be at the home of Steve and Quincie Moore, 110 Camelot Drive, Gaffney. On online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com. Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC. Tags: 1951
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