For nearly four decades, Richard W. “Mr. Little” Little dedicated his life to the students and families of Beavercreek as a science teacher at Shaw Elementary. Richard spent 39 years in the classroom, where he became much more than a teacher to the generations of students who passed through his door. His influence reached far beyond science lessons. He built lasting relationships with his students and their families, creating memories that many carried with them long after they left Shaw Elementary, grew older, graduated and started families of their own, and then some of their children had Mr. Little for a teacher. Beyond the classroom, Richard gave decades of service to the community, including 27 years as a Beavercreek Township trustee and service on numerous local boards and committees.
Years after Richard’s passing in 2015, community members discovered that his gravesite remained unmarked. Those who remembered Mr. Little knew that his legacy deserved to be recognized, and the community came together to make sure it was. Through generous donations from friends, former students, colleagues, families, and community members, enough funds were raised to provide Richard with the memorial headstone he deserved. Greene Giving was honored to help support this effort and, thanks to the incredible generosity of the community, the fundraising went above and beyond its original goal to pay for the headstone. $1,500 was also provided to the Shaw Elementary PTO in Richard’s name, creating an opportunity for his legacy to continue while benefiting the students and teachers of the school.
During a headstone dedication in August, many former students, parents, and friends came together to share stories and lessons from forged friendships and those Richard touched. The community’s decision to come together to honor his memory is a testament to the lasting difference one dedicated teacher can make. Greene Giving thanks the many donors who helped bring his memorial headstone to reality, keeping his story of educational and community influence alive for more to know and remember.
