Charles Benedict Little died on April 16, 2009 of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder after a long illness. He died in his home in the company of his family and pets. He was eighty-five years old. He was the son of the late Luther Orr Little and Gladys Benedict Little.
Mr. Little was born in Kenedy, Texas and completed his education at Kenedy High School where he was a starring member of the varsity football team. Many of the lessons he learned in the highly-competitive Texas high school football program were passed on to the young men he coached in New Bedford for many years.
At the age of nineteen, Mr. Little enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and served in the post Pearl Harbor period. He was on board his ship, LST 69, when it was struck by a torpedo and was fortunate to survive that incident which claimed many lives.
Mr. Little met his future wife Edna Boyle during his military assignment in New Bedford. They were married in 1944 and remained in the city where they raised their family.
During his years of service as a postal worker, Mr. Little gained many friends and acquaintances while completing his mail deliveries. In his retirement years he often came across those individuals who remembered him fondly for his warm and outgoing personality. He loved his border collies and particularly enjoyed working with them as they performed their services at a local golf course.
Mr. Little is survived by his son Charles Little Jr. and his wife Paula, his daughter Charlene Hochman and her husband Michael, and his grandchildren Amy Little and Kevin Little. He was predeceased by two brothers, Royce Little and Curtis Jerry Little.
At the request of the family, funeral arrangements are private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719 or to the donor’s favorite charity. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.