William (Bill) Theodore Little III–or as most people knew him, Coach Little–passed away quietly May 31, 2023.
He was born in Buncombe County in 1951 to Bill Little, Jr. and Jessie Zentz. Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gail Little. He is also survived by his two sons and their wives, Aaron & Jennifer, and Adam & Julie Little; his grandchildren Alex Little, Gabriel Little, Grace Dykes, Katherine Joanna McFadden and Bonham Cox; and great-grandchildren Baker Dykes and Callahan Dykes.
Bill attended the last class of Southern Pines High School where he excelled at track and field, baseball and football, graduating in 1969 and accepting a full scholarship to play football at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of the All-Freshman team. During his sophomore season, he transferred to Catawba where he started at tight end and earned an All-Conference award.
Upon graduating from Catawba in 1973, Bill returned to Southern Pines and worked as a plumber and golf coach before accepting a position as a coach and teacher at Pinecrest High School. He was reunited with Coach John Williams; together, they coached baseball and helped build the football program. While coaching and teaching, he earned his master’s degree in Physical Education from Gardner-Webb University.
In the Summer of 1986, Coach Little moved to Union Pines as the head baseball coach and football defensive coordinator. Coach Little was blessed to coach some talented athletes and his teams made the playoffs in baseball several years and was also a part of the football playoff seasons. Coach Little moved to Red Springs, where he was both the head football and golf coach. He then moved to Hoke County where he coached the same sports. Bill enjoyed building model airplanes and cars, as well as playing golf with his sons. He was also passionate about wrestling and NASCAR.
A link to the live-stream of his services is available under the Tribute Wall portion of the obituary on Boles Funeral Home’s website.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneral.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
