One of the last World War II veterans living in the Fivemiletown area, Mr. George Little passed away peacefully at the South West Acute Hospital on May 7, 2017, aged 93. 

Late of Lakeview, Fivemiletown, he was the dearly loved husband of the late Winifred Little (née Morrow).

George was born on December 30, 1923 to George and Mary Little. The sixth of eight children, he was predeceased by Jim, Marjorie, Eddie, Annie, Evie, Harriet and Edith.

He attended Coolrakelly Public Elementary School. His family attended Tattykeeran Church of Ireland and Creagh Methodist Sunday School.

He served in the 1st Inniskilling Fusiliers during World War II and was at the D Day landings on Normandy beach on June 6, 1944.

When the war was over George had several jobs. He was a postman and at that stage he would have travelled on a bicycle, stopping for tea in various houses. He made great friends on his travels.

George also worked for the Armstrong contracting firm in Tempo. This involved repairing the roofs of churches and he proudly looked up at various church buildings. 

After that he served with the security forces, first with the Ulster Special Constabulary and then the Ulster Defence Regiment based at the Deanery in Clogher.

George was a dedicated member of Fivemiletown British Legion. He was a Poppy Appeal Collector for many years. He played bowls for the British Legion team. He also loved the dances held in the British Legion Hall and in his later years he helped with the bingo.

He was really proud to be able to be involved in recent years with the book launch “Fivemiletown’s Fallen”, the unveiling of the War Memorial and the new seat outside the British Legion Hall, Fivemiletown.

His interests included watching all types of sport on TV, gardening, fishing, rowing boats and music. He played accordion in a dance band with the late Robbie Symington.

George, who was very well known in the local area for his cheerful personality, was a faithful member of St. John’s Parish Church, Fivemiletown.

His funeral service in St. John’s was conducted by the Rev. Canon T. Kyle Hanlon. Burial was in the adjoining churchyard. The RBL (Fivemiletown Branch) provided a guard of honour; the exhortation and members dropped their personal poppies. George is survived by his nieces, nephews and their families.