James Small, Sr.

A Celebration of Life for James William “Bill” Small, Sr., 95, was held October 18 at First Baptist Church in Many, with Brother Jonathan Bost officiating. Interment with Military Honors followed at Jerusalem Cemetery in Many. Bill was born March 31, 1922 in Many to Kathryn Tubbs Small and Thomas V. Small. He died October 4, 2017, after a brief illness in Shreveport. Bill met Evelyn Frass in New Orleans and the two were married in 1945. They began their life as a military family. Bill enlisted in the Army-Air Corp in 1942, with his brother, Tom and served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He transferred to the United States Air Force and served for over 30 years, attaining the rank of Chief Master Sargent. He also served in Korea during the Korean Conflict, as well as three tours of duty in Vietnam. Bill was stationed at bases in Guam, Okinawa, and England, as well as Barksdale Air Force Base and England Air Force Base. He retired from the service in 1973, and began a long and well deserved retirement. During this time he visited Alaska with his son, Jim. This was a wonderful adventure for them. He enjoyed many weeks at his fishing camp on the lake, as well as hunting, fishing, trapping, smoking briskets and gardening. Bill was able to remain in his home with the assistance of his family and caregivers. The family would like to thank Terry Scott, Rebecca Isbell, and Rachel Murray for their compassion and exceptional care. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Small; brothers, Lloyd Small, and Thomas Small; and sisters, Vera Smith, Gladys Spears, and Beadie Lattier. Left to cherish his memory are son, James W. Small, Jr. M.D. and wife, Karen Small, M.D. of Benton; daughter, Kathryn Perron and husband, Douglas Perron of Webster, New Hampshire; grandchildren, Christopher Small, M.D., Capt. Matthew Small (USAF) and wife, Nicca, and Douglas Perron, Jr. and significant other, Patricia Trefethen; great-grandchildren, Olivia Small, Nicole Perron and Alex Perron; former daughter-in-law, Gin Short, M.D.; and a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Honoring Bill as pallbearers were James Small, Jr., M.D., Doug Perron, Sr., Doug Perron, Jr., and Lt. Col. Stephen Crittell, USAF (Ret).