Kenneth Little of Fireball Electronics...

[Blind Squirrel]

It's with a heavy heart that I post this message. I am sad to announce the passing of a giant in the metal-detecting hobby/industry and a true friend.

Kenneth Z. Little November 28th, 1932 -- February 4th 2022.

Kenneth's priorities in life were his love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family and of course metal detecting! He often spoke of the Lord saving his life after suffering a tragic oil-field accident in the early 1950's that left him in a wheel chair for 5 years.
Kenneth became a dealer for White's in the late 1950's. In the words of Ken White: "Kenneth Little was our first authorized dealer and also the first to be named an authorized White's distributor." By 1965 Kenneth was White's largest dealer in the U.S. and purchased units literally by the trailer load, often driving to Sweet Home to pick up the load himself. In about 1966 White's built a private brand for Fireball Electronics : the Comet 100 was sold exclusively through Fireball Electronics. Throughout the years, Fireball Electronics was always White's largest distributor and became very active in product development and as an advisor for marketing and advertising policies. There is no doubt that Kenneth Little and Fireball Electronics were partners and an integral part of the succsess White's electronics.

My friendship with Kenneth began in the 1980's when I purchased a White's Eagle11 from him. Over the years we had many metal detecting adventures together, from relic hunting on old Texas trails to hunting urban vacant lots to old home sites. Together we dug many cool relics and countless silver coins. The true treasure, though, was our friendship. Kenneth will be missed... I miss my friend.

Happy Hunting
Blind Squirrel

 

[laplander]

Never stopped swinging, sounds like one heck of a guy!
HH Jeff

 

[vito]

May he rest in peace and the Lord giving strength to his family & friends.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Never stopped swinging, sounds like one heck of a guy!
HH Jeff

Laplander, Kenneth was something else! He detected until a week before his passing. On our last hunt together , he fell and fortunately a passer by stopped to help me get him up . After my recent surgery, I didn't have the strength to get him up by myself. He detected for another hour after his fall. He didn't know the meaning of quit, Yes, he was quite a guy! I deliver Meals on Wheels and volunteer for Hospice and when I encounter a patient or Meals recipient that is down, I tell them stories of Kenneth's determination, obsticles that he has overcome and optimism. I was proud to have him as my friend. best of luck and...
Happy Hunting!
Blind Squirrel

 

[Blind Squirrel]

May he rest in peace and the Lord giving strength to his family & friends.

Thank you Vito . Your kind words are appreciated.
Happy Hunting!
Blind Squirrel

 

[#1Leatherneck]

Certainly, an inspirational post honoring your friend. I am sure he would appreciate your posting. What an inspiration! And he lived in the heart of the oil field country, Midland, Odessa, Texas. I often recall passing by on the Interstate in front of a school in that area and seeing perhaps the largest oil pump jack in the country in front of a school there. He could get around well enough using a crutch to fulfill his love for the hobby. I can identify so much with him. Enroute to the 'oil patch' I was involved in an accident and my back was cracked. Later involved in a timber accident and suffered a serious injury to my right leg, and the doctor wanted to amputate it. Kenneth Z. Little. Thank you for posting.

Leatherneck
Semper fidelis

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Certainly, an inspirational post honoring your friend. I am sure he would appreciate your posting. What an inspiration! And he lived in the heart of the oil field country, Midland, Odessa, Texas. I often recall passing by on the Interstate in front of a school in that area and seeing perhaps the largest oil pump jack in the country in front of a school there. He could get around well enough using a crutch to fulfill his love for the hobby. I can identify so much with him. Enroute to the 'oil patch' I was involved in an accident and my back was cracked. Later involved in a timber accident and suffered a serious injury to my right leg, and the doctor wanted to amputate it. Kenneth Z. Little. Thank you for posting.

Leatherneck
Semper fidelis

#1Leatherneck, It sounds like you and Kenneth traveled similar paths and have similar philosophies on life. In the words of F. Nietzsche "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." And yes, we have PLENTY of pump jacks in this area and hopefully we will have plenty more soon! Be well! I was not in the U.S. Marine Corps but my Father-in-law was: WW2, Pacific Theater. Best of luck and...
Happy Hunting!
Blind Squirrel
Semper Fidelis

 

[#1Leatherneck]

Normally, I pride myself in being observant; however, I must admit I was remiss. I reread your post: "in the words of F. Nietzche "That which does not kill us makes us stronger" I was curious and researched Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. F. Nietzche is certainly a person to study and learn from. I did not give that name the concern it deserves. I am glad I went back and researched him. Thanks!
Leatherneck
Semper fidelis

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Leatherneck, that is cool to know that I have inadvertantly opened a door for you to expand your knowledge. Best of luck and...
Happy Hunting!
Blind Squirrel

 

[Blind Squirrel]

It's with a heavy heart that I post this message. I am sad to announce the passing of a giant in the metal-detecting hobby/industry and a true friend.

Kenneth Z. Little November 28th, 1932 -- February 4th 2022.

Kenneth's priorities in life were his love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, his family and of course metal detecting! He often spoke of the Lord saving his life after suffering a tragic oil-field accident in the early 1950's that left him in a wheel chair for 5 years.
Kenneth became a dealer for White's in the late 1950's. In the words of Ken White: "Kenneth Little was our first authorized dealer and also the first to be named an authorized White's distributor." By 1965 Kenneth was White's largest dealer in the U.S. and purchased units literally by the trailer load, often driving to Sweet Home to pick up the load himself. In about 1966 White's built a private brand for Fireball Electronics : the Comet 100 was sold exclusively through Fireball Electronics. Throughout the years, Fireball Electronics was always White's largest distributor and became very active in product development and as an advisor for marketing and advertising policies. There is no doubt that Kenneth Little and Fireball Electronics were partners and an integral part of the succsess White's electronics.

My friendship with Kenneth began in the 1980's when I purchased a White's Eagle11 from him. Over the years we had many metal detecting adventures together, from relic hunting on old Texas trails to hunting urban vacant lots to old home sites. Together we dug many cool relics and countless silver coins. The true treasure, though, was our friendship. Kenneth will be missed... I miss my friend.

Happy Hunting
Blind Squirrel

Howdy--
Recently, a friend told me that they inhearited an old metal detector. I was only too happy to check the detector out and see if it still worked or had any value. When I saw the detector, my eyes lit up. I knew that the Comet 100 was a classic detector that was sold by my dear friend Kenneth. I rememberd Kenneth telling me about this detector and how it had settings for mineral and metal and that it was tricky to ground balance the machine and on a good day it might get 4" depth. My friend saw how enthused I was in seeing this detector and when I told them the history and the connection to my friend Kenneth they generously made a gift of it to me! I will post pictures laiter. Best of luck and...
Happy Hunting!
Blind Squirrel