William Edward Little, Jr.

William Edward (Billy) Little, Jr.

Billy Little, 70, of Sandy Cross, North Carolina, died peacefully at home on Thursday, November 20th,2025, following a courageous five-year battle with ALS.
Billy was born on May 11, 1955, son of the late William E. (Bill) Little, Sr. and Willa Lee (Joyner) Little. A graduate of Southern Nash High School and North Carolina State University, Billy was honored to serve as a State FFA president 1973-1974. Billy continued to run the family farm in Nash County while serving in many different roles during his life. He taught Agriculture at Southern Nash Middle School and Southern Nash High School and was a finalist for Nash County Teacher of the Year before leaving to become an extension agent for ten years in Nash County. He then served as a horticultural extension agent in Wilson County until retirement. He played a vital role in the establishment and running of the Nash and Wilson County Farmers’ Markets. Billy was an integral part of the North Carolina State University research teams in numerous sweet potato plots over many years and acres. He was the first recipient of The Billy Little Award, now presented annually, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the North Carolina sweet potato industry. The NC Association of County Agents recognized him as a State Communications Award winner. Billy also served on the County Planning Board. He volunteered and served as a fire chief and EMT with the Coopers Fire Department and Rescue Squad. Billy was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership Award as President of the Nash County Fire/Rescue Association. He was recognized by the State of North Carolina with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which was presented by Governor Pat McCrory.
Regardless of the jobs he held, the family farm always held his heart. From his grand champion black angus steer, as a boy, to his cattle herds and crops as a man, the farm nourished his spirit and fed his soul
Billy is survived by his loving wife, Sharon (Johnson), beloved stepdaughter and son-in-law Kenzie and Tyler Hopkins, precious grandchildren Fields and Henley for whom he will always be “E.D.”, sister, Tricia (Kent) Maurer and their children
Kristen (Steve) Schween and Brett (Jori)Maurer and their daughter Ayla, sister-in-law, Hunter Stone, nieces, Gina Rascoe(Dawson), Jennifer Roberson ( Sandy), Karrlynn Johnson (Robb), nephews, Kyle Farrell (Kim),Bryan Stone, special cousin Al Joyner, as well as  numerous cousins and loyal farm companion, Sheppie. In addition to his parents, Billy was predeceased by sister-in-law, Cynthia Frances Farrell and brother-in-law, Karrlow Farrell.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, November 29th, at 11:00 AM. A visitation will be held the day before, Friday, November 28th, 4:00-6:00 PM.Both events will be held at the Sandy Cross Methodist Church,3725 Sandy Cross Road, Nashville, NC.  Strickland Funeral Home in Louisburg, NC , www.stricklandfuneralhome.net is serving the family.

Flowers are accepted or donations can be made to: Sandy Cross Methodist Church, Coopers Fire and Rescue Department (2408 Volunteer Road, Elm City, NC), Friends of Hospice of Nash UNC Health Care (2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC), or to the Duke ALS Clinic (alsclinic.duke.eJohdu) online or by mail.
 

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