John Avon Little, 78, of Crossett passed away on Friday, February 26, 2010 at his home. He was born May 4, 1931 to John Franklin and Allie Simmons Little in Strong, Arkansas.

He was married to Dorothy Ann Seymore on May 4, 1951. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, one son, Rusty Little wife (Denise) of Crossett, two daughters; Kristi Brown husband (Brent) of Crossett and Sharry Guin husband (Mike) of Chattanooga, TN., three grandsons; John and Richard Guin of Chattanooga and Benji Brown of Crossett, one great-granddaughter, Keely Williams of Grove Hill, AL. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He wanted them to be successful, happy and to be the best people they could be. Other survivors are one sister, Olga Taylor of Crossett and two brothers; Donald Little wife (Gelynn) and Glen Little wife (Peggy) of Huttig, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, David Lamar Little and three sisters; Althea Mae Vestal, Erma Roberts and Doris Paddie.

John was an employee of Georgia-Pacific for 47 years. He retired as an Electrical and Instrumentation Technician on April 1, 1999. He was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 52 years. For the last few years up until his death he held the position of Sunday School Director. He loved his church, his church family and his Pastor, Bro. Eric Hodge. During his illness, he looked forward to Pastor Hodge's visits and received great comfort from them. He was on the board of North Crossett Utilities and was Chairman of the Board for many years. North Crossett Utilities were able to make improvements and able to make purchases for its district today because of John's foresight and management skills from years prior. In trying to teach his youngest grandson Benji to prepare for the future, his advice to him was to never spend your last dollar or shoot your last bullet. John was one of nine men who pooled their money and resources to form what is known today as the Crossett Paper Mill Employees Federal Credit Union. He was a charter member of First State Bank. He was approached numerous times by different groups and citizens to run for Ashley County Judge and also for the Crossett School Board.

John was veteran of the Korean War. He was one of the youngest soldiers to rise to the rank of Master Sergeant and also was promoted to that rank in record time. Because of this his commanding officers tried to encourage him at discharge to make the Army his career. He received a Bronze Star, conduct medals, and many other awards for his leadership abilities. He was one of the many other awards for his leadership ablilities. He was one of the many who fought in the infamous Battle for Pork Chop Hill and one of the few to survive.

In his early adulthood he enjoyed riding, raising and trading horses and buying and selling cattle. John and Dorothy also bought and farmed land in several counties. For the last 30 years or so his passion and favorite pastime was searching for oil. He enjoyed the entire process from locating and drilling new wells, studying the logs with geologists and striking the deals. John's favorite part of the search was the traveling, visiting with folks and making new friends. He was just as comfortable and content to be working in the oil patch with the workers as he was discussing and writing the lease agreements with the attorneys.

John's family wishes to thank the nurses from Hospice Care: Susie White for her kindness and knowledge in guiding them through John's final days and Paula Young for her sweet spirit and the gentle care she gave to him until the end. The family also wants to thank Dr. Phillip Rindt for his friendship and compassion.

Visitation will be Saturday, February 27, 2010, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church from 6-8 pm. Funeral Services will be Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 2 pm. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Eric Hodge officiating. Pallbears are Richard Stitch, Dr. Robert Milton, Bill Rodgers, Mike McCone and Mike Smith. Honorary Pallbears are Buddy Kinney, LaRon Burke, John Pennington, Sam Spears, Dennis Bagget, Clint Carpenter, Dr. Phil Rindt, Harold Farmer, Gary Doss, Phil Kelly, Danny Hollis and David Tohlew. Burial will be at Crossroad Cemetery under the direction of Cromwell Funeral Home Inc.of Hamburg. Memorials can be made through Hospice Home Care at 455 Gaines, Monticello, AR 71655. www.cromwellfuneralhome.net