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Robert Ray Little, 82, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 9, 2026.
Born on September 20, 1943, in Bypro, Kentucky, he was one of six children born to Adam and Marie Little. He graduated from Martin High School in 1961.
In October 1965, Robert married the love of his life, Toni Lyn Adrion, at Martin Methodist Church, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned 60 years. Together they built a strong and loving family, welcoming their first son, Robert Allen, in September 1966, followed by Denise, Brett, and Brad.
Robert began his long career at General Motors on May 2, 1966, and retired on November 1, 1998, after more than 32 years of dedicated service as a skilled tool and die maker. He took great pride in his work and the craftsmanship it required.
He was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in grouse and woodcock hunting in Northern Michigan, fishing, and sharing a special bond with the many hunting dogs he had throughout his life. He was also an enthusiastic gun collector and enjoyed trap shooting at the Lakes Area Conservation Club, where he spent many memorable hours. He never passed up the chance to stop at a good garage sale, always enjoying the hunt for a great find, especially any ink pen not chained down.
Robert was preceded in death by his son, Brett; his parents, Adam and Marie Little; his brothers, Claude Little and Danny Little; his sisters, Thelma Joe Little, Ruby Joyce Salisbury, and Rosalie Tobin; his brother-in-law, Bob Tobin; and his sister-in-law, Marty Little.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Toni Little of Kalamazoo; his children, Robert Allen (Elayne) Little of Whitmire, South Carolina, Denise (Kyle) Ward of Pleasant Shade, Tennessee, and Brad (Heather and Blake) Little of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his grandchildren, Courtney, Hailey, Robert Jarret, and Brody; and his great-grandchildren, Levi, Harlan, Quillen, and Curtis Jarrett.
Robert will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his quiet strength, his craftsmanship, and the joy he found in the outdoors, among friends, and in life’s simple pleasures.