Terry Ray Little's Obituary
Terry Ray Little died November 23, 2022 on Johns Island, South Carolina, while attended by his loving family.
He was born May 29, 1945 to the late Paul Ray and Maurine Little of Dallas, Texas. He earned a BS in Mathematics from University of Texas (1966), MS in Systems Analysis from the Air Force Institute of Technology (1972), and MBA from University of West Florida (1979). He received his commission through Air Force OTS (Distinguished Graduate) in 1967, served 8 years active duty, and then transitioned to both operations research and weapons acquisition as a civil servant. Among his professional titles, Terry was the Executive Director of the Missile Defense Agency, Director of the Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program, and Director of the Air Force Acquisition Center of Excellence. He headed seven major programs for the DoD, to include the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), and other classified programs.
Among his many awards, he received the Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civilian Service Award (twice), Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Award for exceptional long-term Weapon System Acquisition accomplishments, William J. Perry Award for Development and Fielding Precision Strike Systems, and the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award. He was an Honorary Professor of the Defense Systems Management College and a member of the Board of Governors for NASA's Project Management Academy. Terry was known as an acquisitions innovator and the DoD's most seasoned program manager.
In retirement, Terry maintained a passion for his country and loved to travel, read, fly-fish, and garden. He attended Silverbrook United Methodist Church in Virginia, where he served as lay leader. He had many beloved dogs, chief among them Llewellin setter NorahJane. He was generous, contemplative, practiced listening, and consistently advocated for the underdog.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 56 years, Paula Elaine Savage Little; son, Kenneth D. Little (Laura Pierce); daughter, Sherry E. Little (Robert C. Lloyd); grandson, Grayson C. Lloyd; sisters, Sue McCart (Mac), Sandra Bond Chapman (Don), and Shelia Schlosberg (Paul); and nephew, Noah Chapman (Sarah-Jane).
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Restland Funeral Home's Wildwood Chapel on Friday, February 17, 2023 at 10:00am.
Arrangements for Terry Little have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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