John Winstead Little, age 78, passed away Saturday July 21, 2018 at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk Va. He was born August 3, 1940 and a longtime resident of Portsmouth and Tidewater area. In his senior years, he resided in his Portsmouth home in Cavalier Manor for over 33 years.

Preceded in death at age 17 by mother, Elizabeth Lyles, of Norfolk Va. in 1957. As a determined youth, John never allowed life's obstacles to stand in his way. His father, John Winstead, of Suffolk, Va. preceded in death in 1980 and sister, Shirley Little, of California, passed in 2006. John was married to Marie from Sept 1961 to Aug 1977. Together they had two girls. John remarried on two other occasions, with no other children from those unions. During his youthful years, he encouraged all to stay active and mentored the skills and knowledge of sports. His love for sports displayed a true competitive nature among friends and family in golf, bowling, basketball and football (Washington Red Skins) over his lifetime. He retired from the trucking industry after many years of service. He loved to travel and to relax on his porch with family and friends. He was a fighter. He bravely fought an illness that ultimately took him away from us. He was a spiritual man who loved God, loved life and loved family. He will be greatly missed. And though we are sad, we are at peace, knowing that he is at peace.

He is survived by his daughter Darleen Little Mitchell & her husband Michael Mitchell, daughter Catrina Little, grandchildren Felicia Mitchell, Michael Mitchell II, Brandon Little, niece Joyce Ann Nettle of California, grandnephew Bernardo Winston, grandniece, Tasha Bibbs of California; cousins Joe and Arlenda Covington; and a host of other relatives in Suffolk, Va. and beloved friends.

A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm Saturday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake. Viewing will be Friday from 5-7pm at the funeral home.