Former Texas Sports Information Director Bill Little Dies at 81
Bill Little Obituary: Legendary University of Texas sports historian and longtime sports information director Bill Little passed away at his home on Friday at the age of 81. Little devoted 46 years of service to the UT athletics department and left an indelible mark on Longhorns sports and its rich history.
Decades of Dedication to Texas Athletics
Born in Winters, Texas, Little graduated from UT in 1964 after serving as sports editor of The Daily Texan student newspaper for two years. He then worked briefly at the Austin American-Statesman and The Associated Press before joining the Texas sports information department as an assistant to the renowned Jones Ramsey in 1968.
In 1983, Little was promoted to sports information director, a position he held for over a decade until 1994. Over his nearly five decades at Texas, he worked under five head football coaches, five head basketball coaches, and four athletic directors. Little coordinated media operations for 37 bowl games and 25 College World Series tournaments in Omaha, Nebraska.
Remembered as a Legendary Longhorns Storyteller
Beyond his official duties, Little cemented his legacy as the foremost storyteller of Texas sports history. With a deep passion for the Longhorns, he enriched the narratives of generations of players, coaches, and memorable games. Little authored or co-authored nine books on Texas athletics, ensuring the program’s timeless moments were preserved for future generations.
In addition to writing, Little brought Longhorns sports to life through broadcasting. He called play-by-play for over 1,700 Texas baseball games and numerous women’s basketball games on the radio. His voice became part of the soundtrack of Texas athletics over the decades.
Honoring Little’s Long-Lasting Legacy
In recognition of his immense contributions, Little was inducted into the Texas Hall of Honor in 1993 and the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Hall of Fame in 2009. The press boxes at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium and UFCU Disch-Falk Field were dedicated as the Bill Little Media Center in his honor.
Even after officially retiring in 2014, Little continued to share his passion for Longhorns sports through speaking engagements and writing projects. Just last year at age 80, he released his final book, “Closing the Gap,” chronicling the Game of the Century between Texas and Arkansas in 1969.
A Loss for Longhorns Nation
Bill Little passed away peacefully on Friday, but his legacy will live on for generations. He leaves behind his wife Kim Scofield, three children, and ten grandchildren.
UT Vice President and Athletics Director Chris Del Conte expressed, “Bill was a Texas legend whose passion for the Longhorns was unsurpassed. For decades, he was an essential storyteller who educated fans on the greatness of Texas athletics history.”
Longhorns fans owe immense gratitude to Bill Little for tirelessly chronicling the stories, people, and moments that shaped Texas sports. Though he may be gone, his voice will continue reverberating through the halls of UT athletics forever. Little enriched Longhorns lore more than anyone else, and for that, he will always remain irreplaceable and unforgettable.
Celebrating a Life of Longhorns Devotion – Bill Little Obituary
Friday marked the end of Bill Little’s remarkable lifetime of devotion to the burnt orange and white. But his legacy will live on eternally as an indispensable part of what makes Texas Longhorns sports truly special. For nearly half a century, Little vividly brought Texas athletics to life for fans through his words, stories, books, and broadcasts. There will never be another Bill Little, but his enduring contributions ensure his memory and spirit will forever be engrained into Longhorns lore.
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