William Roger Little

Our beloved father and grandfather, William Roger Little, 78, died peacefully in Mesa, Arizona on May 24, 2014. He was born March 18, 1936 in Dayton, Ohio to Joseph and Alta Little. He married his wife Shirley on September 12, 1963 in Eloy, Arizona. William joined the United States Air Force on July 31, 1954 and was assigned to the 42nd Air Police Squadron. He served honorably until April 30, 1958 and was honorably discharged as an Air Policeman Sergeant. During his time in the Air Force, William earned his GED, later attending the Institute of Technology in Chicago, Illinois (1960) and Arizona Barber College in Phoenix, Arizona (1961). He spent his career as a prison guard at the Arizona State Prison in Florence, Arizona, serving over 30 years in that position. William received many awards and accolades over the years including the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal during his time serving on the United States Air Force. He also received numerous exemplary work and letter of commendations during his employment at the Arizona State Prison. William enjoyed mechanics, going to the gym and riding his motorcycle. He showed his expression of love for his granddaughter, Meah Little. His life revolved around her and her music interests. William had a lifelong love of learning which greatly influenced his daughter to become an elementary school teacher. William is survived by his daughter, Debra Little, and granddaughter Meah Little. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at SereniCare Funeral Home at 1525 W. University Dr. Ste 102, Tempe, Arizona, 85281. Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona at 2:00 p.m. that same day. The family is grateful to Reflections Hospice, Villa Inpatient Hospice and SereniCare Funeral Home for their love and care. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.serenicare.com.