Jack Little

Mr. Jack Little, age 85 of DeFuniak Springs passed away early Tuesday morning, January 24, 2012 in Healthmark Regional Medical Center. He was born June 13, 1926 the son of George Ernest and Nora Dillard Little. After graduation from Walton High School with the Class of 1944 he joined the United States Navy the next day. When his tour of duty was completed he returned to DeFuniak Springs where he was employed with Fisher Hardware Company for ten years until he took a job as a salesclerk with Wise Department Store. Most will remember Jack Little in his elected position as Walton County Tax Collector, a position he held 32 years. He was a member of DeFuniak Springs Lodge # 170 F&AM and a member of the DeFuniak Springs Kiwanis Club serving as President 1966~1967. In later years, his was a familiar face at Healthmark Regional Medical Center where he served tirelessly with the hospital auxiliary. Jack and his wife Reacy enjoyed spending a lot of time in their retirement at Eastern Lake, most of the time returning to DeFuniak Springs on Sundays where they sang in the choir at First United Methodist Church and where Jack served as secretary for the Busy Men’s Sunday School Class. Until ill health prevailed Jack and Reacy could be found most early mornings “walking” the lakeyard, often times in opposite directions. Jack Little was a frugal man and ran the Walton County Tax Collector’s office that way too until big government came along and swelled the cost of “doing the people’s business” to the enormous size it is today as mandated by State law. A portrait of Jack Little hangs in the new Walton County Courthouse Tax Collector’s Office, a constant reminder of years of dedicated public service. He is predeceased by their son Jeffrey Morgan Little.

Among survivors are his wife Reacy Morgan Little. His son Ken and wife Maragaret Ellen “Gator” Little. His sisters Grace and husband Hugh Marse of Point Washington and Anita Tankersley and husband Tim Peaco of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Grandchildren, John Morgan, Judith Kathryn and James Robert. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Floral arrangements will be accepted. A time of visitation will be Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 10 until 11 A.M. in First United Methodist Church, 88 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs Florida with the funeral beginning at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Jesse Evans and Dr. Larry Teasley officiating. Burial will follow in Point Washington Cemetery.