Windell Morris Little

Mr. Windell Morris Little, age 89, of McMinnville, Tennessee was born on November 1, 1936, in Lexington, Georgia and passed away on Thursday morning, November 20, 2025, after an extended illness. He was a three-time cancer survivor and had a peaceful passing after his fourth cancer diagnosis.

Windell was born into a sharecropping family and worked with his family every day after school until he entered the United States Army in 1953, at age 17. After his initial service with the Army, he joined the United States Air Force. In 1961, he was the Welter Weight Boxing Champion of the Tactical Air Command. Thereafter, Windell worked as an Aircraft Loadmaster until he retired as a Technical Sergeant in 1974. He was also a Veteran of the Vietnam War with his formal duty served in 1966. During his service, he received the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award. He was a member of the 41st Air Transport Squadron.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, Windell had a second career working as a Safety Engineer for the State of Tennessee Department of Occupational Safety and Health. After over 20 years, he retired as the Chief of Public Sector Programs.

Windell was a member of the Church of Christ and lived his life in service of the Lord, his family, and others. During his time in Vietnam, he partnered with other Vietnamese Christians to establish a church and an orphanage for the children who had lost their parents due to the war. He was a lifelong advocate and supporter of all minorities, the disadvantaged, poor, and “underdog.” He always loved and embraced all persons and loved the song “Everything is Beautiful” sung by Ray Stevens.

When Windell wasn’t spending time with his family, he enjoyed golfing and playing cards. He also loved road trips and listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival, Ray Charles, Elvis, and various country artists like Buck Owens and Charlie Pride. He was a lifelong Georgia Bulldog fan and a great dancer.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, George “Dan” Little and Marjorie Thompson Little. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Robert Little and Donald Little, brothers-in-law Thomas Martin and James Cochran, and nephew Dru Martin.

Windell is survived by his wife of 63 years, Emmaly Martin Little. Windell and Emmaly were married by Ira North at Madison Church of Christ on May 31, 1962. They met in 1961 while Windell was stationed at Sewart Air Force Base in Lavergne, Tennessee. Emmaly introduced Windell to Christ, and they lived a happy and fulfilling Christian life together.

He is also survived by his children: Windy Paulette Little, Windell Morris Little, Jr. (Deanna), and Mary Little Pirtle (Tim). Grandchildren: Micah Little (Prudence), Thomas Beasley (Kayla), Emmaly Beasley (Shelby), Rex Hutchins, Blair Hutchins, Moses Hutchins, Courtney Little (Jeff), Biron Monique Little, Thomas James Little, William Wade Slatten, IV., and Graham Pirtle. Great-Grandchildren: Winter Dudziak, Violet Little, Kyler Cantrell, Lane Cantrell, Gerard Beasley, Leila Mart, Gunner Harmon, Bear Blankenship, Indie Blankenship, and Genevieve Vaughn.

He is survived by his brother Freddie “Ray” Little; sisters Mary Jean Robinson (Jerry) and Ollie Mae Cochran; Sister-in-Law Bobbilynne Martin Garner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice.

In honor of Windell’s wishes, High Funeral Home has been entrusted with his service. His funeral service is to be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, from the Chapel of High Funeral Home. The family will also receive visitation on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The United States Air Force shall conduct a Military Burial For him at Mountain View Cemetery in McMinnville, Tennessee following the funeral.

Online condolences may be left at www.highfuneralhome.com.