John Eric Littles Obituary (1968 - 2021)

To the Littles' Family and Friends, In the time of your loss, Carnes Funeral Home would like to extend our deepest condolences. It's our honor to serve your family... As a reminder, My Legacy This is my story.... I, John Eric Littles, Sr. was born on Friday, April 19, 1968 at 4:39am at John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas. From the very beginning I knew I would impact those who I came into contact with because John is derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning "Graced by God". I was destined to be a leader because I am ambitious, meticulous, tenacious, dependable, intelligent, and confident. My faith shines as bright as my smile, as loud as my Karaoke voice, and I have the personality and character to match! I'm always up for a challenge, because I believe in my capabilities to problem solve, push through and make a difference. As a youth, I discovered football and it quickly framed my future. I played football through my high school years for THE Galveston Ball High Tors. It was here I earned the nickname "Rolling bag of butcher knives" by Coach Unbehagen because I was a play maker. Once I graduated from BHS in the Spring of 1986, I began the next chapter in my life. In the Fall of 1986, I attended East Texas State University on a Football Scholarship and in the Fall of 1987 was initiated into the Eta Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. GOMAB. In 1988, I transferred to Jarvis Christian College and then decided to "Be all that I can be" by joining the United States Army. I went on to complete basic training at Fort Lee Army Base in Norfolk, Virginia and not too long afterwards, I was ordered to the Gulf War. I was surrounded by missiles, continuous gunfire, and grenades but I was steadfast in my mission with the 151st, 2nd Armored Infantry Division; Hell on Wheels for freedom. I received the Army Achievement Medal on March 8, 1990. I also earned Medals for Exemplary Service, The Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Vanguard Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait on May 20, 1990. Most notable was the Lifetime Membership of the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment award that I received on June 7, 1990. It was during this transition that I would meet the love of my life, Kim. In the summer of 1990, we discovered we were expecting a baby however since I was ordered to the Gulf War, Kim went through this pregnancy alone. In February of 1991 I would be escorted out of the war zone back to the U.S.to meet my "Baby Girl" Kristina LaKel. Kim and I were married August 14, 1992 and in 1998 we added to our family my son, John Jr. After being visitors for several years, we would give our life over to Christ as a family and joined Compton Memorial Church of God in Christ in 2000 where we would continue our active membership. In December 2003, I completed the University of Houston-Downtown Basic Police Officer Certificate Training program where I served as Captain of my class. I would go on to work for the Galveston County Sheriff Department for a short time and several security companies before finding my dream job as a Project Manager for Security at General Electric. It is here that I met a great group of people who I still consider my family to this day. On May 18, 2006, I continued my education at Galveston College and received my Associate Degree in Criminal Justice to which I am so very proud of. As all of you know, my children sparked a light in me that would shine brightly to this day. I would coach Kristina in softball from age 5 with the Galveston Hurricanes and on the side lines in high school at LaMarque High. I also coached JohnJohn in little league football and city league basketball. I even started an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team, Gulf Coast Elite (GCE) along with Coach Karriem Miles and Coach Freddie Dalton to support my son in his quest to improve his skills for high school. It is with this team, we went on to win numerous championships. In football I would coach JohnJohn from the stands in Junior High and High School-only because Dads were not allowed on the field; because you know I would have put on my coach's shirt. Why did I do all of this you ask? Because that's what dads do! I was fortunate to see Kristina off to Stephen F. Austin State University where she received her Bachelor's degree and a few years later her Nursing degrees from College of the Mainland and The University of Texas School of Nursing. Next, I was able to see JohnJohn off to Midwestern State University and watch my boy play football -just like I did! Now, this took me back to my glory days, he reminded me so much of myself. I drove to as many games as I could to support him. These moments I spent with my children were simply the best. On November 1, 2021 I received my eternal wings. I am survived by my mother, Cerenia W. Littles, the love of my life, my wife Dr. Kim D. Littles, daughter Kristina L. Littles, sons: John Kieselbach and John Eric Littles, Jr. My maternal siblings: Roy, Christopher, Cedric (Dawn) Littles, Lola (Freddie) Dalton, Natasha Littles and Ashley (Damien) Gee . Paternal siblings: Clarence, Johnny, Chad, Charleston, Danny, Susanna and LaShanda Swannegan, mother-in-law, Caroline Carry, sister-in-law Nicole (Eric) Young, Godson K'Jon Ward, Aunts: Cleopatra Martin and Maxine (Cecil) Parsons and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. To all of the angels who preceded me to Heaven, I am headed through the pearly gates with my wings and DJ equipment. I cannot wait to reunite with you, you know it's always a party when J-Lil enters the room... Grandparents: Allen and Mary Wiltz, father Roy "Pops" Littles, Sr; Clarence Swannegan, Sr. Sister: Denise Taylor, Brothers: Allen Littles, Bobby and Richardson Swannegan. Niece: Latisha Littles, and great-nephew Marquez Carver. Uncles: Robert and Cornelius Wiltz, Aunts: Linda Generous, Lincy Mae Nellums, Mary Francis, Lorenza Jones, and Marie Littles To everyone: Do not grieve for me, I am in a better place. I started the game, each quarter I put in the work, and now I 've scored my final touchdown. My assignment has been fulfilled, after 53 years on this Earth I was able to leave a little piece of me with each of you. Now it's time for me to cheer YOU on. I'm rooting for each of you, today, tomorrow, and always. I love You.. J-Lil "Let all that you do be done in Love" 1 Corinthians 16:14 Guests are invited to share in the 9:30-11am Celebration of Life Visitation at Compton Memorial Church of God in Christ, 2628 Ave. H, Galveston, TX 77550, on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Funeral Services will start at 11:00am with interment to follow at Forest Park - East Cemetery in Webster, Texas. Honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard. "The Chain Is Broken" Little did we know on that evening God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly. In death we do the same Our hearts are broken to lose you, but you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You left us with fun, unlimited, peaceful memories; your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our Family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God us one by one, the Chain will link again. Ron Tranmer Acknowledgements Words of gratitude seem so inadequate for all of the kindness that has bestowed upon our family during this difficult time. We thank God for each of your encouraging visits, delicious meals, comforting phones calls and text messages, lovely cards, flowers and most importantly your fervent prayers. Rest assure that we find strength in knowing that earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. May God continue to bless each of you exceedingly and abundantly. A special THANK YOU to the St. Luke's CCICU and CTICU nurses and physicians who provided care to John. The Littles Family