Skyler Briston Little

Skyler Briston Little, 96, of Statesville, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2018, following a period of declining health. Born May 15, 1922 in Alexander County, he was the son of the late Sippie Atwell Little and Mamie Stikeleather Little.



Skyler was a graduate of Scotts High School, Class of 1942, and served our country honorably, first in the Merchant Marines and U.S. Coast Guard, and then in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps during WWII. On October 12, 1946, he married Dorothy Summers Little, who survives. Skyler never met a stranger, and his outgoing personality served him well in his work career, which started with the Carnation Milk Company and then Curtis Candy, but it thrived for over 25 years in regional sales with White Packing Company of Salisbury. He also had good, common business sense. Following his retirement in 1978, he remained active in various real estate ventures and became a part owner of the Emerald Mine in Hiddenite, N.C. He also enjoyed going to auctions and was a proud member of the Republican Party, which allowed him to be a delegate at the 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit, where President Ronald Reagan was nominated.



Skyler was a long-time member of Concord Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and Elder. As long as his health permitted, he was an active member of the Statesville Elks Lodge and was also a Mason and Shriner. He was recognized in 2013 by the Statesville Shrine Club with a life-time achievement award for over 50 years of faithful and loyal support. In 2012, he was recognized by the City of Statesville for his outstanding service as a member of the Statesville Planning Board.



Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Hilmer J. Little, two sisters, Birchie Little Pope and Meldirene Little Pope, and one niece, Judy Pope.



In addition to his wife of 71 years, he is survived by one daughter, Joye Lamberth and her husband Ron of Charlotte, NC and one granddaughter, Katherine Lamberth and her husband Pell George of Charlotte, NC. He is further survived by sisters-in-law, Carolyn S. Fulp, Julia S. McElory, Peggy Summers; and brother-in-law, Donald Summers and his wife Jean, nieces and nephews, Edwina Pope DeChamplain, Charles Pope, Tommie Little, Susie Little Caviness, and Jimmie Little, along with a number of grand nieces and nephews.



Skyler leaves behind a legacy of fond memories for his family and friends, whom he loved dearly. He lived life abundantly and always brought a smile or a chuckle to those he encountered. One could always find him wearing his favorite Stetson hat. On somewhat of a whim, he and his good friend, Reid Summers, drove to Tennessee to adopt wild burros from Arizona through the US Government. Skyler was always proud of the burros, and three of their offspring (Ellie May, Penny, and Darla) still live today on land at his home. They gave him tremendous pleasure. Many will remember Skyler as a skillful Gin Rummy player, probably having lost a few dollars to him over the years. He was proud to have passed along some of his card playing prowess to his daughter and granddaughter. Others still laugh to this day about, despite the number of safe miles he logged in his car as a salesman, backing up was an art that he never mastered. He leaves behind a few dents and a shattered car dealership window as a testament to that part of his driving. He was a good man, and he made us smile. While he will be missed, we know he is now joyfully reunited with family and friends who have passed before him.



A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:30pm Monday, August 6, 2018 at Concord Presbyterian Church with Pastor Dan Wilkers officiating. Burial will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Bob Stamey, Mike Cook, Randy Dellinger, Charles Pope, Joe Raymer, Preston Redmond, Joey Bottoms, and Warren Musick. The family will visit with friends in the church fellowship prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:15pm.



The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Jurney's of Statesville, Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell, the Gordon Hospice House, Dr. Rajkumar Joshi, and Dr. John Gazak for the loving care they provided Skyler.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Concord Presbyterian Church, 3867 Taylorsville Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.











Donations may be made to:

Concord Presbyterian Church3867 Taylorsville Hwy, Statesville NC 28625