Clarence R Little

After a long life of dedicated service, LtC (Ret) Clarence “Clancy” Little, 92, of Madison, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2025.

Clarence was born on December 9, 1932, in Batavia, NY. He met his wife, Diane Elizabeth Kelsey, in the 8th grade, and they married after Diane finished nursing school in 1954. Clancy was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army at the age of 18 after successfully passing the engineering qualification exam. He used the G.I. Bill to earn his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the General Motors Institute and subsequently worked at GM. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, however, he re-entered the military and served with distinction for 28 years. His career highlights included combat engineering, serving as a special advisor to South Vietnamese forces, and becoming a Special Forces Green Beret with humanitarian tours in the Philippines and Indonesia. His awards included three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars with Valor, and a Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star and Palm.

Clancy was also very dedicated to his family. He, Diane, and their two sons, Doug and Jeff, traveled the world together during his military service. After retiring, he and Diane settled on a beautiful lake-front home outside Athens, Alabama, where they became renowned for 4th of July family reunions and fireworks over the lake. He also started his own small business, “It’s About Time”—a clock and watch repair service—as well as serving as a volunteer sheriff’s deputy for Limestone County. He lived a blessed life.

Clarence is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Diane Little, his son, Douglas Little (Teresa), his parents, Harold and Henrietta Little, and his brothers, Jim and Dick Little. He is survived by his son, Jeffery Little (Ellen); five grandchildren, Sarah Stark (Daniel), Kelly Lycans (Zach), Daniel Little (Sara), Samantha Magnuson (Bob), and Michael Little (Victoria); and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Julane Swineheart, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Regency Retirement Village at 2:00pm on July 19, 2025.