John Clifton Little

Dr. John Clifton Little, a retired professor from Abilene Christian University went to be with the Lord around midnight between Monday, October 6 and Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at the age of 71. Visitation will be Friday, October 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Graveside services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, October 11 at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Abilene and the memorial service will be at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 11 at Hillcrest Church of Christ in Abilene with Dr. Terry Brown and Dr. Perry Reeves officiating. John was born December 6, 1936 in Coshocton County near Newcomerstown, Ohio. He graduated as valedictorian from Morrow High School in Morrow, OH in 1955 and graduated from Abilene Christian College in 1959. He began his teaching career in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo school district in the Rio Grande Valley where he taught Science for two years. He returned to Abilene Christian College as an instructor in the Biology department in 1961 where he also completed his master's degree in Biology. He graduated with his Ph.D. in Human Anatomy in 1971 from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Little taught for Abilene Christian University from 1961-1996 as professor, Chairperson of the Biology Department and "pre-med" advisor. He earned the Trustees Award as Outstanding Teacher of the Year in 1995. While teaching he continued his biological research with a team of scientists from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, TX. His published research added to medical understanding of the endocrine system. During his retirement he taught for the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing for eight terms. Over his lifetime as a teacher he helped a tremendous number of students reach their potential as servants all over the world in the medical professions. He and his wife, Ann, of over 40 years had a passion for not only the physical, but also the spiritual well-being of the people with whom they came in contact. Their house was always full during the holidays and other times not only with family members, but with many international students and others who were in need of an adopted family. John was involved in mission work around the world for over 40 years, particularly in Uganda, Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Austria, Germany, Greece, Yugoslavia and Italy. Inheriting his passion, his children have spent a total of 17 years serving the Lord on the foreign mission field. His absence will leave a void in hearts all over the world. You can see John's deep faith in God and love for missions, international friendships, academic excellence and music through his children who have borne out this legacy in their lives. Those who know him well will also remember him for family camping trips, making pancakes on Saturday mornings, family genealogy and stamp collecting. He was a frequent Bible class teacher at Hillcrest Church of Christ, where he also served many years as an elder. John had a compassionate heart for the elderly and will be sorely missed by the countless people he "checked in on" regularly despite his 13 year struggle with leukemia. John is survived by his wife, Ann Patterson Little whom he married on December 16, 1967 and their four children. The children are Alicia Walls and her husband, Jay of Flower Mound, TX; Dr. Ellen Little of Kampala, Uganda, Africa; Jan Little of Nashville, TN; and Andrew Little and his wife, Jennifer of Amarillo, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Dorris Uthe and her husband, Glenn of Tyler, TX; his brother, Gerald and his wife, Terry of Newcomerstown, Ohio; and his brother, David, and his wife Carolyn of Abilene, TX. He has a surviving sister-in-law, Brigitte Little, the widow of his brother, Lawrence who preceded him in death. His four grandchildren are Jonathan, Adrianna, Ardyn and Julien. His honorary grandchild is Kudzai Chimhungwe. In addition to those named, John has a large extended family who were blessed by his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew "A.C." and Alice Little. Memorials may be made to the Kampala Mission Fund at Hillcrest Church of Christ, 650 E. Ambler, Abilene, TX 79601 or to Hendrick Hospice Care, 1682 Hickory, Abilene, TX 79601 or to Christian Relief Fund, PO Box 19670, Amarillo, TX 79114-1670.