Ronnie L. "Ron" Little, age 79 of Rodney, passed away unexpectedly Monday, November 12, 2018 in Grand Rapids. He was born May 16, 1939 in Detroit, the son of Eugene and Hazel (Brown) Little. Ron graduated from Almont High School in 1957. He married Patricia Hampel on November 14, 1958 in Chippewa Lake. Together they made their home and raised their family and were very involved in the South Lyon community. Ron enlisted in the United States Army where he studied and taught aerial photography. He worked on the first drone with the military before he was honorably discharged. Ron attended Central Michigan University where he participated on the track team. He started his long career as a News Cameraman with Channel 6 News in Lansing. Ron then continued his career to ABC News Channel 7 in Detroit where he worked for 37 years. He was nominated for various Michigan Broadcasting Academy Awards and was the recipient of two. Following retirement, Ron and Pat moved to Rodney where they became devoted to their community. Ron was a dedicated member of the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church; he sang in the choir and was a founding designer of the Memorial Garden. He was also very involved in Artworks, as a volunteer and artist. Ron had a passion for the outdoors; it was there that he felt at peace. He was a man of many talents, including: wood working, field stone work, and still photography. Ron made time to enjoy life. He had a sense of humor and was a great story teller. Ron was known for his hugs; in his eyes he saw everyone as an equal. Ron always had time for people and inspired many. He will always be remembered for his zest for life. He is going to be missed by all who knew him. Ron is survived by his wife of 60 years, Pat Little of Rodney; three children, Julienne Little of Muskegon, Don Little of Arlington, Virginia, and Tom (Beth) Little of Ypsilanti; nine grandchildren, Michael Ann, Alex, Madison, and Grace, Isabela, and Anna, Ben, Ian, and Garron; five great-grandchildren; three siblings, Shelley Dana of Quincy, Birdie Cross of Lansing, and Rick Little of Okemos; sister-in-law, Millie Little of Hancock; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Roger and Roy Little, and daughter-in-law Barbara Thomas. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2018 at the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church with Reverend Rebecca Morrison officiating. The family will greet friends at the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 16th and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made in Rons name to the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church Memorial Garden. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Visitation Friday, November 16, 2018 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307 Funeral Service Saturday, November 17, 2018 11:00 AM Big Rapids First United Methodist Church 304 Elm Street Big Rapids,MI 49307