William (Bill) R. Little

William (Bill) R. Little - Maryville TN (widely known for his devilish good looks with rippling muscles under a bronze skin of tan) - passed on Jan 19,2023 due to natural causes at 90 years old. He is survived by his best buddy and wife Bettye H. Little after 67 years of marriage. Bill lived a wonderful exciting life. He graduated from the Old Knoxville High School in 1950. After graduating he enrolled in UT and played his saxophone in the Pride of the Southland band. He was not ready for UT, so he enlisted in the USAF where he served for four years. During his military service he did three tours of duty in Korea during the war. After he left the military he went to back to UT and graduated with a BSEE. Then he joined Raytheon in Bristol TN working in the Reliability Dept. After a few years there he went to work for Monroe International where he eventually became the Engineering Manager. He obtained his private pilot license flying his own airplane out of Johnson City Airport for several years. He left Monroe to start up an electronics factory making complete computer systems for Automated Business Systems in Bristol VA. Then, as General Manager, he started another high-volume electronics manufacturing company in Bristol VA for Commodore Intl making handheld printers and calculators. After that factory was fully functional, Olivetti Italy asked him to come to Harrisburg PA and start up a high-volume printer and calculator assembly line for them. He moved there and, after seven years, Olivetti asked him to start a similar factory for them in Singapore. He did so and when it got fully staffed and producing efficiently, he moved to Hong Kong and became Vice President of Radofin Electronics.

While living in Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan in China for 12 years, he and Bettye vacationed to Africa, Bali, England, and Italy.

He stayed overseas until he and Bettye felt they were missing out on watching the grandchildren growing up, so at 60 years old, Bill retired and moved to Knoxville, TN.

They joined Concord United Methodist Church and became very involved in all activities. Bill was proud to be the project manager of the first Habitat of Humanity house the church built. He also volunteered at RAM, Trinity Dental Clinic, and other nonprofit organizations.

In 1992 he joined the Thursday Hikers which has an average of 25 hikers every week – rain or shine! He really loved his fellow hikers and know they will miss him as he generally started the group off with a count off and safety prayer.

Bill was part of the team that produced two of the finest children ever born! Diana Casaday (husband – Larry) in GA and Lannis Little (wife – Leann) in Maryville TN. Bill’s grandchildren from Diana are – Jonah Casaday and Audri Ross (GA). From Lannis - Michael Little, Jacob Little, Chelsea Dixon and Hannah Haney. They are a prolific bunch producing Bill’s 14 Great Grandchildren and counting!

In lieu of flowers Bill request you to take your best buddy to dinner. Just say a short prayer for him and enjoy yourself, as I am sure Bill will be doing.

Bill will have a time of remembrance at the Concord United Methodist, 11020 Roane Drive, Knoxville, TN. 37934 on Sunday 1/22/2023, receiving of friends from 2:00 - 3:00 PM and service to follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Larry Trotter officiating. His request was “the service will be no longer one hour and please make it a happy occasion for all”. He will be buried at the Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway.