Darvin Louis Little, age 74, of Waco passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Providence Hospice Place at St. Catherine Center in Waco. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 30th at Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ with Minister Ernie Christie officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 29th at OakCrest Funeral Home.

Darvin was born on January 20, 1943 to Albert Louis and Ludie Mae Little in Wareham, Massachusetts. He was a long time resident of Waco. Darvin was a graduate of University High School and attended Baylor University.

After serving his country for 6 years, he was honorably discharged from the Army in 1970. Consequently, after returning from the Army, he was employed by the Southland Corporation with the 7-11 stores. This is where he met the love of his life, Gaye Lynn Dale. This past April they celebrated 50 years of marriage.
While employed at 7-11, he joined the Waco Junior Chamber of Commerce where he was involved with numerous community projects. He also served as president of the Waco Jaycee’s from 1972-73 where he made many lifelong friends.

Other community organizations he was involved in include the USO, and American Red Cross and Carter Blood Care Center, having donated 17 gallons of blood. In addition, he was a member of the Waco Lions Club and was a faithful member of Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ.

After leaving Southland Corporation, he worked for Guy King Tire Company and Goodyear. Next, he was employed by Mr. Gilford Fred at Morris Jewelers in Waco, which led him to a very passionate career in the jewelry business as he served Waco and surrounding areas.

After many successful years as manager of both the Lake Air and Richland Mall stores, Darvin opened Darvin’s Fine Jewelers in 1983, at the Lake Air location and also, operated a lease department at Cox’s Department Store in the Westview Shopping Center. Several years later, Lake Air Mall was sold to make room for the current Target store. Consequently, Darvin relocated across the street at the Lake Air East location. In June of 2016, after a combination of 43 years in the jewelry business, Darvin retired leaving behind a legacy of integrity and a strong work ethic.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Little Torres; brother, Charles Marshall Little; and father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Dale.

Darvin leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Gaye Lynn; sister, Angie and husband, Calvin Baker, Jr.; brother-in-law, Gary C. Dale and wife, Cindy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the Alzheimer’s Association for their support and kindness. In addition, the family would like to express our total gratitude to Providence ER, ICU staff, and the 4 North nurses and doctors for the excellent and compassionate care given to Darvin. Special thanks, recognition and gratitude to the dedicated staff at Providence Hospice Place at St. Catherine Center. They showed remarkable love and compassion to Darvin, as well as to our family during this difficult time.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alpha Delta Kappa-Beta Phi, Carter Bloodcare, Providence Hospice Place at St. Catherine Center, Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ, or the charity of your choice.