Robert Little

1939 - 2022

Robert Little
December 1, 1939 - June 20, 2022
Ft. Mill, South Carolina - Bob Little was born December 1, 1939, to Roswell and Anna Little in Philadelphia. He grew up with an older brother, David, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents nearby. Family was always very important to him.
His spiritual journey began in 1948. His maternal Grandmother died in the spring. He accepted Christ as his Savior at a Vacation Bible School that summer when he was overwhelmed by the realization that he was loved by God. In October, his heart stopped during surgery. His surgeon was excited because he revived him; Bob was disappointed because he wanted to follow the light. His journey continued through his life, believing that "I'll get by because Jesus Christ is always with me."
He graduated from Frankford High School in Philadelphia in 1957. He graduated from Temple University in 1970 after 13 years of night school. He served on active duty with the Air Force from 1960 to 1964.
Bob met Nancy in the summer of 1959, and they were married December 3, 1960. They spent the first four years of their marriage traveling with the Air Force. Bob spent the next 7 years building a career in Philadelphia. In 1971, Bob started his own business and moved Nancy and their two sons, Mark and Jonathan, to Charlotte. He often said that moving to Charlotte was one of the best decisions he ever made.
While Bob was building his business, the family attended a new church plant, Church at Charlotte. Over the years, Bob got more involved in the church; in 1980, he was elected chairman of the elder board. When the founding pastor left, Bob along with the church's youth pastor, Jimmy Kallam, worked to hold the church together. Eventually, Jimmy became senior pastor and Bob was the associate pastor. Later in his life, he said it was the best and worst job he ever had.
Bob and Nancy were known for their hospitality. During the time they were raising their two sons, they also took into their home three young men. Bob often spoke about his "5" sons.
He retired from the church in 2004. He then worked for 7 years as Executive Director of Hope Cancer Ministries. He retired completely in 2011. Retirement found him in and around Lake Wylie, enjoying the blessings of a life of service. It was rare to find Nancy and him alone. They were surrounded by family and those who were blessed by Bob's generosity.
Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Nancy, and his two sons. Mark and his wife, Susie, live in Knoxville; Jonathan and his wife, Susan, live in Waxhaw. He is also survived by his grandchildren which were the joy of his life; Victoria and Grant of Knoxville, Jacob of Charlotte, Haley of Wrightsville Beach and soon-to-be granddaughter, Mariah Lane of Knoxville. Bob has also been blessed over the years to enjoy a relationship with 8 nieces and nephews and by his other three sons: Chris Nenninger, Jeff Kramer, and Ted Barrack.
On June 20, he entered into the presence of his Savior. His last act of generosity was donating his body to the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine.
The family would like to thank everyone who has shown so much love and support through the past year's battle with cancer, including: Lost & Found Adult Fellowship class, their small group, New City Church, the Heritage Hall neighborhood, and our incredible Hospice nurses, especially Sam and Mary.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at New City Church (2500 Carmel Road) on Saturday, June 25, at 10:30 am. The celebration will be online at: newcity.us/eventstream
Bob has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to one of the many organizations he supported:
New City Church Global Outreach
2500 Carmel Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226
https://newcity.us/give
Beds for Kids
1800 Camden Rd., Ste. 107-17, Charlotte, NC 28203
bedsforkids.org/donate
Tandem Spirituality
7845 Colony Road, Ste C4-236, Charlotte, NC 28226
www.tandemspirituality.com/give