Former UTU International President Charles Little dies

Charles Little, a former United Transportation Union (UTU) international president, died May 15 following a brief illness, the union reported on Friday. He was 77.

The UTU's fifth president, Little was elected in 1995 and re-elected in 1999, and held the top post from Jan. 1, 1996, until his retirement in 2001.

A former U.S. Marine, Little began his railroading career with Houston Belt & Terminal Railroad Co. in 1955. He became interested in union affairs and was elected local secretary and treasurer of Local 1524 in Houston in 1973, UTU officials said in an online announcement. Little was elected general chairperson of the Houston Belt & Terminal General Committee of Adjustment in 1979.

Four years later, he was elected an alternate international vice president. Little was elevated to vice president in 1984 and was elected to that office in 1987.

In 1991, he was elected general secretary and treasurer, serving under then-International President G. Thomas DuBose.

Little is survived by his wife, Mary, and six children.