Neal Dean Little

Neal Dean Little, EdD, 85, of Hot Springs, Ark. passed away at home on June 17, 2014. Neal was born Nov. 7, 1928 in Abbott, Ark. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Dorothy Little of Fort Smith, brothers, Ralph Roland Little and William Edwin Little. He is survived by his wife, Celia Maria Pola Little. His sister, Dorothy Little Ausmus of Desoto, Texas, also survives him. Neal accomplished many things in his 85 years, but he was proudest of his five children. Dennis "Snow" Little (Karen) of Fort Smith, Denise Little of Hot Springs, Lisa Smitherman (Jim) of Austin, Texas, Corey Little (Malinda) of Little Rock, and Mimi Nunez of Austin, Texas. His children gave him seven wonderful grandchildren that brought him great joy; Lindsey, Dylan, and Ian Little; Madison, Bradford, and Jorja Smitherman; and Cole Nunez. His hobbies included watching the Razorbacks, reading, playing poker with his friends, and playing golf with his sons and grandsons. Neal grew up in Fort Smith and later moved to Dierks, Ark. when his father bought the Dierks Banner newspaper. At 18, he was recognized as one of the youngest editors in the US. He was the sole reporter, editor, janitor, and typesetter. He was drafted into the US Army 45th Division and completed his training at Schofield Barracks, Honolulu, Hawaii. He was selected to attend Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga., where he became 2nd Lieutenant. After a short time teaching infantry skills to soldiers at Fort Chaffee, Fort Smith, Ark., he served in the Korean War where he was a Platoon Leader and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant and served in the Reserves after returning home. He met his bride of 59 years on the softball team at Fort Smith Community College. He completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in psychology at the University of Arkansas. Neal began a 37-year career serving individuals with disabilities while employed by the Arkansas Rehabilitation Service (ARS) and the University of Arkansas Research and Training Center (AR&TC). He began as a psychologist working on a research project in the state office of ARS. In 1961, he transferred to the Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center where he served as a Psychologist and Supervisor. After receiving his EdD from the UofA, he joined the AR&TC in the position of Assistant Director. He played a significant role in the provision of services during the period of time when the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services and the Rehabilitation Center were nationally recognized as leaders in the field. He also gained national recognition while serving on numerous study groups that developed training materials addressing service delivery to new and emerging trends in disabilities and rehabilitation issues. Neal was a man of few words, but was well respected and admired both professionally and personally. Neal touched many lives, as he was a man honor, principles, and good values. The world is a better place because of the impact he had on so many lives-especially his family & friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Friday, June 20, 2014 followed by a burial service at Crestview Cemetery in Hot Springs. The family wants to express sincere thanks and gratitude to the in-patient and the home-based staff of Arkansas Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Step: http://www.firststeparkansas.com or, Arkansas Hospice at http://www.arkansashospice.org. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.