Michael “Mike” Lynn Little

Memorial Park Funeral Home announces the death of Michael “Mike” Lynn Little, age 58, of Gainesville, who passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022.

Mike was born on July 7, 1963 in Miami, FL, to the late Harold and Sue Little. He attended Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC on a soccer scholarship where he received the Glen Brewster Memorial Award for leadership and courage.  Despite his years at Campbell University, Mike’s love and devotion to his hometown’s University of Miami Hurricanes never subsided, and Mike remained a loyal fan regardless of his place of residence.  After college, Mike moved to Manasseh, VA for several years before returning to North Carolina to work at the Oxford Orphanage/Masonic Home for Children, where he served as Athletic Director, coaching countless children in various sports and athletics—a lifelong calling and legacy that continued throughout the course of Mike’s life.

Following his tenure at the orphanage, Mike went on to coach boys and girls varsity soccer at J.F. Webb High School until 2001, when he was hired as the Facilities Manager at Allen Creek Soccer Complex, bringing him to Gainesville, GA.  Mike went on to be named Director of Hall County Parks & Leisure in 2011, where he was instrumental in opening North Hall Park and Community Center and Cherokee Bluffs Park.  Under Mike’s leadership, Healan’s-Head’s Mill, an old gristmill predating the Civil War, was thoughtfully restored to its former glory.  He was also heavily involved in the reopening of Murrayville Park and was working to refurbish and reopen Tadmore Park, both of which were closed during the economic recession in 2011.  In 2019, his purview expanded to include Hall County Animal Services and included a change in title to Director of Parks & Community Services.  At the time of his death, Mike was also actively working to construct Butler Park, a new park in Hall County’s District 4.

Mike had a significant impact on the landscape of Hall County and the community’s overall quality of life through his work at Hall County Parks & Leisure.  Mike was a member of the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association and a long-time member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.  Regardless of his life in public service, to those who knew him best, it will be the more private aspect of Mike’s life that will be most treasured and most memorable: his corny “dad” jokes and his laid-back, gentle demeanor.

Mike leaves behind his wife, Amy; son, Ian; and daughter, Alyssa, all of Gainesville; as well as a brother,  Timmy Little, niece Shelby Holtz and her husband Kyle, sister Patricia Ellen Mestre, brother-in-law Mitchell Mestre, neice Julie Brancale and her husband John, and great nephews Vincent, Tommy and Michael.  Mike also leaves behind his beloved dog Duncan, a faithful and loyal companion until the end.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 1 with a Memorial Service to follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 2, both at North Hall Community Center, located at 4175 Nopone Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to 6046 Financial Dr, Norcross, GA 30071; https://www.specialolympicsga.org

Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com