Dennis Ray Little Jr.

Dennis Ray Little, Jr., 65, passed away Friday, August 13, 2021, in San Angelo. He was born June 23, 1956, in San Angelo to the late Betty and Dennis Ray Little, Sr. Dennis was preceded in death by his dear parents and parents-in-law, Tom and Jan Randall. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Betsey, and his beloved sons Chris Little (Stephanie) of San Angelo and Grant Little (Sarah) of Laguna Hills, Calif. Dennis was the loving and proud Papa to grandchildren Haley, Mackenzie and Jonah Little of San Angelo, and Bella and Jackson Little of Laguna Hills. He also leaves behind sisters Norma Cross (Steve) of Fort Worth, Judith Alley of Little Rock, Ark. and Terri Beal (Sidney) of Midland, as well as brothers-in-law Taylor Randall (Susan) of Dallas and George Randall (Gayle) of San Angelo. Dennis will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews, Rickie Smith (Sam), Thomas Randall (Meagan), Wayne Cross (Jordan), Sidney Beal (Ariel), Sarah Randall Parker (Ian), Dustin Beal and Matthew Randall; great nieces Kylie and Paisley Randall and great nephew Jack Parker; and many dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Dennis lived a fun and rich life full of family and friends. He was a lifelong resident of San Angelo, graduating from Central High School where he met his bride of 44 years, Betsey. The two were married on July 9, 1977, and loved to go dancing and explore the outdoors hiking, fishing and camping. Dennis was a proud San Angelo Firefighter for 25 years and also spent 28 years as a service writer at Randall Motors. He was athletic and enjoyed playing softball with church leagues, his fellow firefighters and the Randall Motors crew. Dennis coached his sons’ soccer teams, spent many afternoons playing golf with family and friends, and loved to race his sons (and win). At the fire station, he shared his love of cooking and also became an expert nap-taker – a skill he perfected in retirement. His barbecue brisket and ribs will be greatly missed at family events and we know they’ll never taste quite as good. As an Eagle Scout, Dennis enjoyed hunting and fishing and took great pride in teaching Chris and Grant how to skin a deer. He was extremely intelligent, helping with math homework, working the crossword puzzle and word jumble every morning, and reading every placard at museums on family vacations. Dennis was truly happiest at the family’s “Plunder” in Mertzon, swimming, fishing and driving his grandkids around on the “tractor” (lawnmower). He never met a stranger and, having spent his entire life in San Angelo, he had innumerable friends and acquaintances. Dennis loved visiting with everyone he met – something that could make trips to the grocery store very time consuming, according to his grandkids. He had a true servant’s heart and would drop whatever he was doing to help family, friends and strangers. Dennis was laidback and fun loving, and you could always count on him to be wearing a baseball hat and a friendly smile. He was immensely proud of the family he and Betsey raised, and being a Dad and Papa brought him extraordinary joy. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, followed by a private family burial at Lawnhaven Cemetery in the Last Alarm Garden, which honors members of the San Angelo Fire Department. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 20, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home. Services will be officiated by Scott Farris, retired assistant chief of operations at the San Angelo Fire Department. Pallbearers are nephews Thomas Randall, Wayne Cross, Sidney Beal, Ian Parker, Dustin Beal and Matthew Randall. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in Dennis’ name to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (firehero.org) or to the American Cancer Society.