Lt. Col. William N. Little III U.S. Army

Lt. Col. William N. Little, III, U.S. Army (Retired), age 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Tennessee Veterans Home in Cleveland, Tennessee surrounded by his immediate family. William was born on September 4, 1941, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late William N. Little, Jr. and Patricia "Bia" Kane Little.

Lt. Col. Little proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His distinguished military career included two tours in Vietnam as a combat aviator of both fixed wing and rotary aircraft. He continued serving in Europe and other parts of the World as a military intelligence officer, including operations in the Middle East prior to Desert Storm. He also served in the National Guard Reserve and later as the State Director of U.S. M.A.R.S.

In addition to his military service, he continued his dedication to public service as a detective with the Atlanta Police Department and as a pilot with the Georgia State Patrol. In recognition of his commitment to helping others, he was honored as Georgia Red Cross Man of the Year in 1994.

Beyond his impressive career, Lt. Col. Little was a masterful storyteller, known for engaging an audience with his wit, humor, and seemingly limitless escapades. He lived a life of service, integrity, and purpose, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was, however, a terrible poultry farmer.

William is survived by his wife of 53 years, Hazel Ann Little; sons, Stewart Charles Little (fiancé, Natalie Ricks) and Adrian William Little; grandchildren, Cole William Little and Kayleigh Ann Little; siblings, Patricia Ranck, Randy Little and Claire Campbell; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Sosebee Memorial Chapel with Rev. Nathan Brandon officiating. Interment will follow in the Georgia National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday one hour prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Tennessee State Veterans' Home in Cleveland, TN at https://tsvh.org/donate/

Sosebee Funeral Home, Canton, GA is honored to serve the family of Lt. Col. William N. Little, III, U.S. Army (Retired). Sosebeefuneralhome.com 770-479-2131