Obituary of Grayson M. Little

Grayson “Gray” Mark Little Gray passed away on July 18, 2022 at the age of 64 after a courageous and dignified 19 month battle with glioblastoma (a type of brain cancer that is always terminal). A native Charlottean, he attended Harding High School and Myers Park High School (’76). He was a graduate of Gardner Webb University (’80), where he met his wife of 42 years, Mary K. Gray began working at Little Hardware Company as a teenager during school breaks and summers, becoming full-time in 1980. During his 50 years spent at Little Hardware, he held almost every position available – assembling wheel barrows, stock clerk, salesman, purchasing agent, and several positions on the Board. His office was a collection of outdated catalogues and hardware memorabilia. Gray was the man you wanted to see if you needed an obscure part or paint color. He was well-known for his volunteer activities with several not-for-profit organizations. While his sons played baseball at Steele Creek Athletic Association, he was actively involved in several Board positions, eventually becoming League President, where he served for 10 years. During this same period he also served on the Board of Trustees at Gaston Day School, where his sons attended. He advanced to the role of Chairman of the Board and was a favorite chaperone for many class trips. Never straying far from his roots, he served as an Assistant District Administrator for Little League International North Carolina District 3. His last few years were spent as the District Administrator for Charlotte region. He was also involved in the local biking/running communities. Gray was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Jay Little of Charlotte and Judy Blucher Little of Waxhaw. He is survived by his wife Mary K., and their sons Thomas “Jay” Little (Leanne Powner) of Sumter, SC and Benjamin “Ben” (Crystal, grandson Eugene) Little of Rock Hill, SC. There will be a celebration of Gray’s life and legacy in mid-August. Information will be posted on the Little Hardware Facebook page. Please (due to allergies) no flowers or food. Instead, consider making a donation to Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte or a charity of your choice.