John Erskin Little

John Erskin “Sonny” Little, 100, of Hoover passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Brookwood Medical Center. He was a resident of Mount Olive, Alabama for most of his life and Hoover, Alabama for the past 35 years, where he built seven different homes for his family. He loved the craft of construction of which he was an artist. John was a faithful Christian, devoted to the Lord in all things. He was a member of the Mount Olive Church of Christ, where he served as an Elder and a member of the Oak Mountain Church of Christ for the last 35 years. While having no formal music training he was an excellent song leader and had the knack for getting others to sing along always beautifully. At the age of 18, he was drafted into the United States Army as we entered WWII. Having never been out of Jefferson County, he was quickly introduced to events far beyond his imagination. He served three and a half years fighting in five Italian Campaigns. Upon returning home he married his sweetheart, Nancy Carroll Dougherty and began a journey of 77 wonderful years. They adored each other and were the perfect team. Building a life together and serving the Lord was their goal. They accomplished that goal. He was employed for 35 years with Dupont making dynamite. He was always thankful to come home every day. John loved growing anything that could be planted. He produced the best vegetable gardens, flower beds and honey from his own hives. To say that he lived a full life is an understatement. He had a life well lived. One that honored God, family and country for 100 remarkable years. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Rebecca Burks and Lydia Carroll Martin (Jon Larry); grandchildren, Tracie Torbert (Chris), Jason Burks, Heather Shimel (Keith) and Jon Nichols Martin; great grandchildren, Austin Adams, Alexie Adams, Christina Torbert, Ross Torbert, Burke Torbert and Phillip Torbert. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Ross Little and Martha Ellen Graham Little; his beloved wife of 77 years, Nancy Carroll Little; brother, Otis Little; sisters, Verda Muncher, Alice Camp, Polly Little, Ila Lee and Dorothy Manley. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 10am at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 9am to 10am. Burial with military honors will be Wednesday at 12:30 pm at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

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John Erskin Little

October 27, 1924 - September 19, 2025