Randel Quincy Little, Jr., age 98, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026. He was born August 14, 1927 in Richmond, Virginia.

Randel was a life-long explorer of knowledge. Randel’s childhood was spent in Richmond, Virginia and Burlington, North Carolina. He attended the University of Richmond for his undergraduate studies, it was here that he met the love of his life, Ann Bowie Clark. His studies were interrupted by his service in WWII. After the war, he returned to U of R to receive a degree in Chemistry, then continued at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor for a Master’s, and PHD in Chemistry. He spent his entire career at Amoco Oil Company beginning as a Research Chemist and ending as Director of the Lubricant Oils Division.

His exploration of knowledge did not end with Chemistry. After his retirement, he was an active volunteer for the Executive Service Corps and AARP Tax-Aide. In addition, he and his beloved wife completed a 4-year non-degree program at the University of Chicago studying world history, philosophy, religion, and literature. They appreciated traveling internationally to experience new cultures and camping in the great outdoors, including several trips to the west for river rafting and a road trip to Alaska.

He never stopped wanting to learn more, evident even in his last years. When one visited, he was always reading an informative book or a scholastic magazine and eager to share his new discoveries. We will forever miss our visits, discussions and lessons with and from this man, whom we call Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.

He is survived by his children, Beth Milliken (Greg), Patty Rowland (Phil), and Susan Graham (Gary); his grandchildren, Nathan Milliken (Ivette), Paul Milliken (Steven Cooper), Bradley Graham (Justine), Kevin Graham (Sarah), and Tricia Van Baren (Ryan); his great grandchildren, Mia Milliken, Ethan Milliken, Mina Graham, Silas Graham, Clark Graham, Joy Van Baren, Annie Graham, Rose Van Baren, Lolo Graham, James Quincy Graham and Corrie Graham.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Bowie Little; his daughter Mary Margaret Little; his great-grandson Philip John Van Baren; his parents, Randel Quincy and Mary Shuping Little and his siblings Mary Louise Cooke & Thomas Jackson Little.

A private family memorial will be held in Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hope Presbyterian Church, 1771 S Wiesbrook Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.