“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness……” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
This was the testimony of Lando Little Sr., 88, as he peacefully transitioned from earth to eternal life on Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC surrounded by his family. Lando was born in Anson County, NC on July 27, 1934. He was one of ten children born to the late Rufus and Julia Newton Little. He attended school in Anson County. He enjoyed spending time with his siblings and friends, he even played on the baseball team with his brothers. He grew to be quite a handsome young man, and little did he know he would soon meet the beautiful young lady who would become his bride. As the story goes, when he met Creolia Streater, he told her, “You’re going to be my wife!” She laughed at him, because she had not yet graduated high school. He courted her, and sure enough after she graduated, they were married on December 25, 1952.
After their union, they remained in Anson County near their family for a brief time. There, they started their own family with the birth of two children. He decided to move his family to Thomasville, NC where he began work at Grays Concrete and Pipe Company. His family grew, with the addition of three more children. He then decided to move his family to Winston-Salem, NC where they purchased the family home at 1015 Williams Drive; they lived at this address for over 45 years.
After 30 years of service, he retired from Grays Concrete and Pipe Company. Being the social and active man he was, he decided to work part-time. He worked for The Budd Service Group as a security guard for another 6 years. Full retirement didn’t slow him down, he made sure to keep busy! He enjoyed hopping in the car to go riding with his beloved Creolia. They had great fun going for breakfast, thrift shopping and visiting family. When he could, he loved to go fishing! During baseball season, he could be found watching his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves. He also loved to cook! He was an amazing cook. Everything he cooked was delicious. He took great pride in watching family and friends enjoy his dishes. He even made hot cornbread for his favorite nurse at his doctor’s office.
He loved his family and he loved to be surrounded by them. If he hadn’t heard from you lately, he would give you a call or ask if anyone had heard from you. This was Daddy’s way of saying, “I love you and you are on my mind”. Though he loved to cut up, have fun, and was known as the life of the party, he was tender-hearted. He didn’t mind that you saw him shed a tear. He may not have had the words, but he spoke through his tears. He loved the Lord dearly and was a faithful member of St. Peter’s World Outreach Center in Winston-Salem, NC under the leadership of Bishop James C. Hash Sr. along with his beloved Creolia for over 25 years.
He was a fighter and a survivor! In his latter years he experienced strokes, kidney cancer and various other illnesses, but he kept going! Eventually he and his beloved Creolia moved from their family home to live with their eldest daughter, who became their primary caregiver. Everyone pitched in to help care for Daddy! Our Lannie Pooh or Lans, as we liked to call him, was spoiled, and rightfully so. Towards the end he made his final stand, after enduring dialysis for almost 8 years, his body was tired. He held on as long as he could to honor his promise to never leave his beloved Creolia, but he was able to go in peace knowing that she would be well cared for.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Ray Thomas “Bruh Ray” (Glinnie) Little, Charlie Williams (Lottie Bell) Little, Rufus “Pig” (Mattie Lee) Little, Wiley (Mitty) Little, James Edward “Pete” (Lucielle) Little, David “Scratch” (Julia Mae) Little and Sadie Bell Little (James) Moore; his loving sister-in-law, Louise “Big Lou” Little and loyal brother-in-law, Sam Harrington. In addition, his great-grandson, Alex Caudle III.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 70 years, Creolia Streater Little; his six beautiful children: Josephine Robinson, Brenda Faye Little Gill, Lando Ray Little Jr. (Alma), Otis Wayne Little Sr., Cheryl Little Propst, Tammy Little Owens and devoted son-in-law, Johnny Owens Sr.; Eight adored grandchildren: Nekecha and grandson-in-law, Gwathney Leak Jr., Jeremy Little, Johnny and granddaughter-in-law, Elizabeth Owens Jr., Erica Owens, Otis Wayne and granddaughter-in-law, Reyna Little Jr., Diangelo Little, Anthony Robinson, and Tonya Robinson; Ten cherished great-grands: Jaziah Owens, Imani, Jaden, Saryah, Gabrielle, Lauryn and Eden Leak, Toya Sturdivant, Tramaine Dean, TisHun Robinson, and a little one on the way (Otis Wayne Little Jr.); Two precious great-great-grands, Taleah Robinson and Kingsley Dean. His two lovely sisters, Louise “Monk” Little and Wincey Little Harrington and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
The Homegoing Services will be on Saturday, April 8, 2023, 3:30pm, Smith's Memorial Chapel, 604 Salisbury Street, Wadesboro, North Carolina.
The family will greet family and friends on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 3:00-3:30pm.
The interment will be on Monday, April 10, 2023, 12:00 noon, Piedmont Memorial Gardens, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The Little Family will greet family and friends at the residence of his sister, Ms. Louise Little.
The public viewing will be on Friday, April 7, 2023 from 2:00-5:00pm at Smith Funeral Home.
10/19/23: I am so, so heartfully sorry to just find out about "Pop's" entrance into his glorious reward of God's unending blessings. He has always been a special spirit in my heart. I have prayed for him and Mother Little every day and will continue to pray for the joy and peace of his soul. My love for him is unquestionable. .... Alma
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I never got to the chance to meet Mr. Little in person but felt I got to know him through the many stories shared over time. I know he was loved and will truly be missed. The Rogers family sends our deepest condolences to you all and want to send our love and support in every way possible. 💐 Mr. Little may be gone from this earth but he is no longer in pain and his spirit will continue to watch over you all, day by day. His presence will continue to cover Mimi on the remainder her earthly journey. Just know that in another time, in a happier place, you'll all meet again. 💐🕊️ Much love, Ben Rogers
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My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Lando Little Sr. May the hand of the Lord hold you and comfort you during this difficult time. Alice Fenton.
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Daddy, now I see that all those years God blessed us to be with you and mama, "beautiful memories" were being created. Man, we had some great ones and some not so great, but we dealt with them. You are now with your beginning family in Heaven. Know you all are celebrating with one another like our Heavenly Father wants you to. You will be missed so much, but glad to know you are out of all your pain. Mama still ask about and wants us to make sure you are eating, taking you medication and getting rest. She will never forget her "Lando", and neither will your "earthly family "!! Love you forever!! Your daughter, Brenda.
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As I reminisce of times shared amongst the family I only have a happy collection of joyful memories. I will always remember your kind presence, love, and laughter. "Gone but never forgotten" Love ~ Liz Owens.
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Cheryl & Family, Our hearts go out to you and your family for the loss of your father. We hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time. Love, Delois K. & Kimberly J.
- Delois King
We extend heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr. Lando Little Sr. It was a pleasure knowing Mr. Little. He will be remembered for his kindness and colorful sense of humor. When our families celebrated a special occasion or holiday together there was never a dull moment when he was in the midst. We love you all and you have our full support in every moment. William Jr., Tina, Aretha and Angela Owens
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We would like to extend our deepest sympathy and warmest condolences to the family of Mr. Lando Little Sr. We became acquainted many years ago when our children Johnny Sr. and Tammy were united in marriage. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Please take comfort in knowing that "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". Rev. William and Tina C. Owens
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Our condolences to the Little's family. May God give you peace, comfort, and strength at this time of mixed emotions. Just want you all to know that we'll love you all and are praying for you all. Mr. Lando was truly a man of God. Every Saturday when Lando Jr. would take him to dialysis, He would call me in Knoxville, Tennessee and We would have prayer and afterward Mr. Little would say I am on my way to work. Thank you and God is able. The Wilker Family
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Daddy, Death brings pain that time can only heal, no words could ease what we truly feel; But with God, Lando Little, Sr., our Daddy, joy is eternally sealed, and we cherish his memories that Death can't even steal. We Lift up a smile for Daddy who is already in the paradise. Lando, Jr. and Brother Otis Wayne
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Hey grandpa, it's Jaziah! I am going to miss you, and I love you so much❤️. Rest easy
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Papa, Thank you for all the love that you have shared with us. We love you so much! Be sweet❤️ and rest with God. Love your greatgrands, Imani,Jaden,Saryah,Gabrielle Lauryn and Eden
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Sending peace and comfort to you all during this time of remembering. Love, Erica Owens' work family at Novant
- Andrea Areskog
Rest well, Papa 🕊️. Your spirit and all the fun, amazing memories we've shared over the years will remain in my heart forever. I will miss your sweet little wave, while saying "Hey Arik"!! That always put a smile on my face! You are our guardian angel now and we know you'll be watching over all of us. Love you so much. Your youngest granddaughter, Erica 💜
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I had the utmost love and respect for you as my father-in-law. I will treasure the conversations and laughs we shared over the years. If I could choose one word to describe you, it would be "authentic." Your spirit and legacy will live on through your family who loved you dearly. I must say that going forward, every time I watch an episode of Sanford and Son, look at any highlights featuring the Atlanta Braves, or enjoying a good piece of homemade cornbread, I will smile and think of you. ❤️Johnny Owens Sr.
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Rest well granddaddy. We will meet again 💪🏾
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Rest well granddaddy. We will meet again💪🏾
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My Love for you Daddy is beyond any words that I could say. I was born into our family as the first grand baby, but all I've every known you to be is "My Daddy". You've always been so loving and sweet to me. You made me feel special, and you got me out of a few spakings too! 'Let that baby alone", I can hear you say! You were always right on time! You seem to always find the most perfect,simple and sweetest way of sharing wisdom.You have loved on all my babies with that same sweetness you gave me. Thank you, Daddy for always making feel so loved! I miss you so much!! I love you forever! Kecha
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Daddy you are now in heaven rejoicing in the presence of the Lord whole and complete. I miss you now and you will forever be my daddy. I 💕 you beyond the moon. Your daughter Cheryl
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Rest in heaven Uncle Lando,Jean Neal&Family
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Daddy, I love you so, so much and you will forever be missed in my heart. Thank you for your wisdom and encouraging words that you shared with me over the years. Rest in God's arms. Your baby girl, Tammy ❤️
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Rest in heaven papa, you really touched my heart ❤️ and showed love , just when we needed it most. I will never forget your funny words, prayer and encouragement. Rest Well Dad , we'll see you in the morning 🌄
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Rest with Jesus, Uncle Lando! We will miss you! Phyllis & Family!
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Smith's Funeral Home | Wadesboro, NC