Dr. Richard Winfield Little, a devoted family man, orthopedic surgeon, accomplished pilot, and lifelong outdoorsman, passed away suddenly on June 30, 2025, in Brookneal, VA in the loving company of one of his best friends, Shelby Deaner, days before his 81st birthday.
Born on July 13, 1943, Richard graduated from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1975 and spent decades practicing in the Baltimore area. He was a partner at 4 East Madison Orthopedic Association. He also served as Chief of Shock Trauma in Baltimore and held surgical privileges at esteemed institutions, including GBMC and others.
But Richard was not only a surgeon; he was an explorer in every sense of the word. A certified pilot for both propeller and jet aircraft, he practiced aviation medicine as a flight doctor out of Martin State International Airport. He was known for blending science with a deep respect for nature—spending his time hiking, camping, hunting, bicycling, fly fishing, kayaking, and even dabbling in ham radio and bushcraft. If it required curiosity and a touch of ruggedness, Richard likely tried it at least once.
He provided for his family generously and even when it meant personal sacrifice. He spent his life supporting and encouraging his family’s interests and inviting them to share in his hobbies. He remained steadfastly engaged with his family and, in true nature for him, extended that same warmth and generosity to friends, patients, and colleagues.
He practiced a rare brand of attentive, human-centered care. He had a knack for connecting with patients on a personal level, often taking the time to hear about their lives, intermingling it with discussions of their care needs—much to the chagrin of his secretary, Marie Lemmon, who frequently had to hustle him along to stay on schedule; a true people's physician. His attentiveness and humor left lasting impressions on patients, colleagues, and friends alike and had an enduring impact across the region. He applied his expertise providing prosthetics and mobility solutions to children and ballet dancers recovering from injury, and served as a sports medicine physician for the Orioles during spring training in Florida.
His devotion to community extended to service in the U.S. Army Reserve Corps as a Sergeant (E-5), beginning his service in 1967, balancing his military commitment with his civilian practice.
Richard’s joy for life and service extended into his fraternal commitments. He was a long-standing member of Boumi Temple’s Royal Order of Jesters (Court No. 82) in Baltimore from 1970, where he served in leadership roles around the mid-2000s. Even after relocating to Florida, he maintained his jocular spirit and fellowship with the Ft. Myers chapter, reflecting a lifelong dedication to camaraderie and community. He was honorably part of an organization engaged with the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Through fundraising, volunteer drives, and support for pediatric burn victims—he was part of a mission for healing and hope. These and many other reasons, he is missed by his fellow Jesters and Masonic brothers, and his many close friends far and wide.
Richard lived his life as he practiced medicine—attentively, curiously, and with great compassion. He will be remembered not only for his contributions to the field of orthopedics, but also for the meaningful, wholehearted way he engaged with the world. He is sorely missed by his family and close friends.
He is survived by his wife, Kristine G. Little; his two sisters, Sue Diehl and Lynn Featherston; his daughters, Jennifer Little and Kelly Little; and his sons, Michael Funk and Bryan Funk.
A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Boumi Shrine, 5050 King Avenue, Rosedale, MD 21237.
In accordance with his wishes, Richard’s remains will be scattered at Big Piney Mountain in the George Washington National Forest—one of his favorite wild sanctuaries.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charitable organization of your choice.