Bud Little

Wayne “Bud”  Shields Little, of Oakboro passed away Tuesday morning, August 16, 2022, at the age of 81.  

He is survived and remembered by his loving wife, Sara Thompson Little  of 58 years and his three daughters,  Anita Sedberry(Kevin), Alicia Plyler(Chad), and Jennifer Woodall(Jonathan); six grandchildren  Kimberly Hurlocker(RJ), Shelby Sedberry, Jacob Plyler(Alli), Brittnee Woodall, Barrett Plyler, Baylee Woodall, and one great granddaughter, Brynley Hurlocker.  He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Alyssa Maie Sedberry.

Bud was born in Oakboro, NC on May 14, 1941 to the late Bessie Mae Little and Labon James Little.  He graduated from Oakboro High School in 1959.  After graduating high school, he immediately went to work to help support his family.  He first worked at Cannon Mills, but later he began working as a truck driver.  Bud was a local truck driver for nearly 40 years before he retired.  Although driving a truck was what he did for a living, Bud was the happiest when he was outside in the garden.  During the warm planting months, there was no doubt where you would find Bud - in the garden.  He looked forward to planting his “small” five acre garden every year!  No matter what vegetable you could think of, Bud would have it in his garden.  His greatest pleasure came in not growing his garden, but in giving it away.  When it was too cold to garden, you could find Bud in his shop.  Although lawn mowers and tractors were his specialty, he would work on anything for anyone. There was nothing he could not fix. 

Daddy, or Paw Paw, as we so affectionately called him, was a force.  He was the embodiment of strength, intelligence, kindness, and perseverance.  He made people feel seen.  When you spoke to him, he listened, and he did so with intention.  His sense of humor was one of a kind, quick witted in the most deadpan of ways.  To know him was to love him, and he was loved so very much.  If you asked any of his family, you’d know that we all think he hung the moon.  We are all better people because of him.  Until we meet again, we love you Daddy and Paw Paw. 

Memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105.

A visitation will be held Friday evening, August 19, 2022 at Edwards Funeral Home in Norwood.  Family and friends are welcome from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

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