Arthur Russell "Art" Little

Art was a lot of things: an army man, railroad worker, a welder and fabricator, a celebrated Vietnam War veteran, and most importantly, a beloved family man.

Art accomplished it all through his hard work and raw talent in spite of growing up in circumstances that would have crushed a lesser man. Art did not see obstacles as barriers: he used them as stepping stones into a better life for himself and those he loved.

Art was the epitome of a self-made man: he wasn't a builder, but he built more than ten houses. He wasn't a mechanic, but he could change out transmissions, radiators, and alternators. He wasn't a rancher, but he bought and tended to acres of land and a whole bunch of cows. He wasn't traditionally educated past high school, but you couldn't outsmart him. Art could look at an engine, a blueprint of a house, or a missing part of a helicopter and simply understand what needed to be done-and he got his hands dirty and did it. Art had a raw talent that he enhanced with his work ethic and refusal to allow anything to derail his vision for his life and what he wanted to accomplish.

But Art's accomplishments, which continue to amaze us, aren't why we are gathered here today.

We are here to honor a man who was both an inspiration and rock in our lives. Art taught us that dreams are only dreams without feet-he cultivated this self-assurance and go-to spirit in his wife, children, siblings, and grandchildren. Art was a steadfast presence in our lives, and we are devastated to lose him, but we are better people for knowing him, loving him, and striving to his example.

Many of us still think of him sitting in his spot on the porch in "the country," using the same pocket knife to whittle broom handles, eat watermelon straight from the rind, and clean his fingernails. He was known for his generosity with dollar bills, brandishing a wad of them, while flashing a toothy smile, to his grandchildren for good grades on report cards, and then to his great grandchildren for simply being themselves.

Art, we wish you could be here with us still, but we know that you're in heaven, hopefully on a big porch somewhere, catching up with Stuart and other loved ones.

Art was preceded in death by both of his parents; son, Stuart "Zach" Little; sister, Frances Cravey; and two brothers, Jerry Little and Jack Little.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara E. Little; sons, Craig Little (Kimberly) and Brian Little; brother, William "BB" Little; sister, Dorothy Jacobson (William); daughter-in-law, Qwolette Little; four grandchildren, CJ Little (Brittini), Caleb Little (Cheyenne), Kandace Little and Brooke Little; three great-grandchildren, Paisli, Russell and Josephine "Jo Jo"; as well as many other family and friends.

A funeral service for Art will be held 12 Noon, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Jewett, Texas. Brother Allen Crosby will officiate the service. Interment will follow in Concord Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 A.M. until the service begins.

Pallbearers: CJ Little, Caleb Little, Dale Dobson, John Lopez, Jeremy Caywood, Keiton Bornmann

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.