Raymond J. Little, 85, of Palmer Twp., PA, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg.

Born : Raymond was born in Scranton, PA. He is predeceased by his parents, George and Anna.

Personal: Raymond and his wife the former Beverly Jones, celebrated 61 years of marriage last September 1. He worked as a Manager, Assistant Manager and Field Specialist in Social Security Administration from 1960 2007 in the Stroudsburg and Easton offices, before retiring at the age of 79. He served as Sergeant in the US Army during World War II, where he received WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal in Japan. He graduated from the University of Scranton with a Bachelors Degree in Commerce and Finance with graduate studies in Business Law and Insurance.

Raymond was known as the local face of Social Security in Easton, PA, and was honored by several agencies for outstanding service in presenting social security programs to senior groups in Northampton and Monroe counties. Over the years, he tirelessly helped hundreds of individuals to receive benefits of which they never knew they were entitled. Mr. Little strongly believed in face-to-face contact with beneficiaries and was disappointed to observe that in recent years this practice was disappearing.

Memberships: Raymond attended Bethel Memorial Baptist Church until becoming ill several years ago. In 2005, he was recognized by Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service to the Senior Citizens of the community.

Survivors: In addition to his wife, he was a devoted father to his son Raymond Little of Palmer Twp., PA, and daughter Barbara Smith, and her husband Terry Smith of Easton, PA; and a beloved grandfather to granddaughter Lauren Little.

Services: Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp).

Memorial Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions in Raymonds memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 212 E. Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.