Notifications

No notifications
We will send an invite after you submit!
  • Helping hands

    In lieu of flowers

    Please consider a donation to Barry Little Literacy Fund.
  • Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Barry's obituary

J. Barry Little, age 73, went to be with the Lord on December 3 at 3:53pm after losing his fight to COVID-19 at Carle Hospital in Champaign, IL. He died with his wife and three children by his side. He was born on July 8, 1947 in Burnham Hospital in Champaign, IL and was the son of Stanley “Jiggs” Little and Beverly (O’Neal) Little. He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Glenna (Buchanan) Little and children: Kevin (Emily) Little, Kelley (Rick) Bleich, and Kale (Chrissy) Little. He is also survived by his sister Vicky (Jan) Cross and brother Bill (Diane) Little. His legacy includes his grandchildren: Amanda (Ron) Walker, Skye & Darius Little, Rebekah and Kensi Bleich, and Charlie Little and great grandchildren; Sophia and Marley Walker. He also leaves behind countless others who lovingly called him “Grandpa.”

Barry fondly reminisced about his time attending “country school” for First Grade. His family then moved to the Village of Rantoul where he attended Rantoul City Schools until graduating from Rantoul Township High School in 1965. He attended Illinois Commercial College after graduation.

He developed his strong work ethic while working for his Uncle Roger at the Little’s Men and Boys store in Rantoul. Barry went on to work at Slot & Wing Hobbies, where he developed his lifelong love of slot car racing. Barry also worked for Kmart; Domestic Linens; United Fuel; Manito Transit; JDC Logistics; G&D Integrated; and retired after working for Kraft Foods Private Fleet.

Throughout his life Barry selflessly gave his time to both his family and the community he lived in. He was the former Fire Chief of the Ludlow Fire Protection District and former School Board President of Ludlow Grade School.

After retiring Barry volunteered with the Rantoul City Schools and tutored students in both math and reading. He found joy in seeing children develop a love for reading and watching them learn. He was delighted when kids would recognize him in the community and would excitedly greet him. He also served the community as a member of the Rantoul First United Methodist Church. He loved to unwind by playing pool with friends and family. He played in the Monday 8 Ball League in Rantoul and 9 Ball League on Wednesdays in Gifford.

Barry will be remembered for the selfless love he showed his family, his patience, his unconditional kindness to others, and his quiet strength. If you had the privilege of knowing Barry, your life was made sweeter. Although we say goodbye for now, we know his memories and legacy will live on.

Memorials may be made to Rantoul First United Methodist Church or the Barry Little Literacy Fund to aid in assisting school age children in the Rantoul City Schools.

Barry Little Literacy Fund
c/o Bank of Rantoul
P.O. Box 67
Rantoul, IL 61866

Print this obituary

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Want to stay updated?

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
Helping hands

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Barry Little Literacy Fund.
$4,600.00
of $5,000 goal
92 %

Recent contributions

$50.00
Barbara Turner
$250.00
Laura Bateman
$50.00
Lora Schluter
See all contributionsRight arrow

Recent contributions

$50.00
Barbara Turner
$250.00
Laura Bateman
$50.00
Lora Schluter
See all contributionsRight arrow

Memories & condolences

I had a front row seat to Dad volunteer time with kindergarten and first graders at Broadmeadow. Reading to them and he…
I had a front row seat to Dad volunteer time with kindergarten and first graders at Broadmeadow. Re…
I had a front row seat to Dad volunteer time with kindergarten a…
Our deepest condolences to your family. We thought the world of Barry.
Our deepest condolences to your family. We thought the world of Barry.
Our deepest condolences to your family. We thought the world of …
Barry was an extremely empathetic person. He was always there to support family in times of trials. His listening ski…
Barry was an extremely empathetic person. He was always there to support family in times of trials…
Barry was an extremely empathetic person. He was always there t…
Sending sympathy with love. Linda, Pete, and sons.
Sending sympathy with love. Linda, Pete, and sons.
Sending sympathy with love. Linda, Pete, and sons.

Share your memories

Post a photo, tell a story, or leave your condolences.

Get grief support

Connect with others in a formal or informal capacity.
×

Stay in the loop

Barry Little