Sherman Dexter Little

Sherman “Dexter” Little passed away peacefully on Friday March 15, 2019 with the love of his life Connie Jo Little at his side.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held Sunday April 14, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Town Park’s Club House 115 Park Place Trail Social Circle, GA 30025.

He was preceded in death by his father, Hayward Little and brother, Milton Little.

Dexter was born on January 27, 1950 to Mr. Hayward and Mrs. Annie Mae Little in Decatur, Georgia (DeKalb County). His father at the time was a trolley operator. His mother was a devoted housewife. Dexter was one of four children. He treasured many memories of his childhood such as Sunday paper sack lunches after church watching the construction of the highway. Along with days of sharing and dividing cold Coca colas with his siblings for those sodas were a delightful treat. “Simpler times” he would say, “but some of the best.”

He is survived by his mother, Annie Mae Little of Jefferson, GA. His wife, Connie Jo Little of Social Circle, GA. Sons, Johnny Little (Sherry) of Social Circle, GA, Michael Little, of Branson, MO, Kevin Little (Keri) of John’s Creek, GA. Stepchildren, Alisa S. Cook (David) of Tuscaloosa, Al and Jonathan Smith (Kelli) of Covington, GA. Brother Eddie Little (Shelia) of Monroe, GA, sister Cindy Little-Archer of Jefferson, GA and sister in law Martha Little of Williamson, GA. Thirteen treasured grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Many beloved nieces and nephews. Dexter was called “Bubba” over the years by his parents and siblings. One of many nick name titles he would carry in life. He was known as “Papa” and “Papa Dex” to his grandchildren.

With his marriage to Connie on April 15, 2000 he gained a huge family including mother in law Sally Blankenbaker, father in law the late Ben Blankenbaker, father in law the late James Aubrey Hamner and mother in law the late Johnnie Sue Hamner. Along with six sister in laws and four brother in laws and many nieces and nephews. Dexter had a passion for his family that made the best of times so memorable and the hard times survivable.

Dexter Little attended Towers High School. He was in the graduating class of 1968. He was loved by many a teacher and was active in both football and baseball.

After high school graduation Dexter honoree and served his country when he enlisted as member in the United States Navy Reserves 1968 through 1974.

Dexter served his community by being part of the brotherhood of firemen with the DeKalb County Fire Department during two periods of time 1970-1976 and 1979-1981. He would later share stories of these years. Some of which how these men had to depend on one another to save lives, watch out for one another and the reality check of how life is fragile being fireman are often the first of the responders to be at a scene of an emergency situation. Some stories enlighten and some showed humor such as hot pepper eating challenges he with his fellow firefighters to pass time in between calls. He passed on a little knowledge to cool the burn simply eat a mayonnaise sandwich.

During the years 1979 - 1990 Dexter took on perhaps one of his biggest and proudest roles outside of being a son, father and grandfather. Continuing a passion he had from his former school years he became an outstanding coach with Rockdale County Dixie Youth Baseball. “Coach Little” was definitely the coach to have. He wasn’t your run of the mill coach. He was tough but supportive. Late for practice meant running laps while shouting “I love Coach Little”. Winning games was definitely a plus with many All Star winning Champions under his belt. However being able to teach teamwork, discipline and help gain personal self confidence to these young men was the overall goals. With having three sons and a grandson active in baseball his reign as Coach Little lasted over a decade. He gained a many “second sons” from these years. Ask any random middle age man today from the local area and chances are once shared time on the field with Coach Little. You will get a “Yeah, man we love Coach Little” One can imagine the memories that come back to these men many fathers themselves as they now have children playing baseball. Coach Little also worked and help start up to make a once bare spot into a local ballpark now known as Rockdale County Recreation Fields.

In 1991 Dexter opened Dexter Little and Associates. A local new and used furniture store in Conyers, GA. Each of his sons at one time worked alongside him along with his wife, Connie. He enjoyed this line of work and was successful in the surrounding regions around the area.

Dexter and Connie later began a traveling business Casino Excursions. Trips included visits to Biloxi, MS New Orleans, LA, also to Savannah, GA Cherokee, NC and the Tennessee area. Dexter himself was an avid Blackjack player, a bit of a history buff and became a trivial pursuit fact finder to entertain the quests while traveling. It was great times for a nice getaway for football games, or a long weekend adventure. When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf coast in 2005 The Little’s pulled together with others and donated many needed items and supplies. They made several semi truck loads down to the coast.

The Mississippi gulf coast was once home for Connie and her family. It held great importance to both of them to help a community they both loved.

Dexter held a license in both Georgia real estate and insurance. He along with Debbie Conner Smith of Conner Smith Realty helped many people find their homes in the Social Circle area. He also worked proudly alongside his son, Kevin at Kevin Little State Farm Insurance Agency.

As retirement years approached Dexter found a new hobby that would earn him yet another nick name “The Birdhouse Man”. He enjoyed the challenge of making any kind of birdhouse decorated for any sports team possible, duck houses, and the occasional replica of a lighthouse, home or other buildings. He also made many mailboxes and posts. It was a creative way to spend his retirement. Dexter true to his character was precise and paid close attention to detail to get his work just right.

Dexter Little was known by his many nick names, Bubba, Coach Little, Papa, Papa Dex, and The Birdhouse Man. With each of these names there is one common thread about a man who never quite knew the full impact he had on many people through his lifetime. His honesty, sincere kindness, heartfelt words of advice, hard work, his actions to help his fellow man, his jolliness and laughter, lessons on life passed on, his dedication to family and love will always be felt and admired. Dexter was a true southern gentleman and kept old fashion values of family and community close to his heart. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. There will forever be a void in hearts of his loved ones until the day they are reunited.

If Heaven has baseball in it is pretty certain there was a roar in the stands from the crowd when this man arrived. For we know he sure brought home a grand-slam when he arrived.

Lastly, may each person he knew continue to pass on the light and joy that he brought to in their lives. He would say you have a choice to be happy and enjoy today. So smile and continue on with the words of Dexter Little as he would end a many conversations on “Have a great rest of your life!”

The family wants to acknowledge and extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Anne M. Grant MD and staff at Piedmont Healthcare Internal Medicine of Covington, GA. Dr Stephen Lucas MD, Sarah Lynn and staff of Athens Pulmonary of Athens, GA Dr David Woodard MD FACC and staff Piedmont at Piedmont Heart Institute of Athens, GA Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center and staff Piedmont Newton ICU unit

In Lieu of flowers the family ask for contributions be sent to The American Lung Association.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501.

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