George Little, a revered leader in North Carolina's political and civic arenas, has passed away at the age of 82. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of contributions that have significantly impacted both Moore County and the wider state.
Business North Carolina reported that Little's extensive career was marked by influential roles in political, economic, and community developments.
Born in Pinehurst and raised in Southern Pines, Little pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
His dedication to public service was evident early on as he sought to make meaningful contributions to his community and beyond.
In 2004, Little ventured into electoral politics with a gubernatorial bid. Although he did not win the Republican primary, his behind-the-scenes work in politics proved deeply impactful.
One of Little's significant achievements was his instrumental role in the 1972 election of Jim Holshouser, who became the first Republican governor of North Carolina since the Reconstruction era. His strategic expertise in this campaign underscored his commitment to reshaping the political landscape of the state.
He served within Holshouser's administration as the secretary of the Department of Natural and Economic Resources, further cementing his influence on state affairs.
State Sen. Tom McInnis noted, “I first worked with George on the Holshouser campaign over 50 years ago. It is because of his leadership and support that the Republican Party of North Carolina is in the majority position that it is today.”
George Little's contributions were not confined to politics. He was recognized for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education. Joining Sandhills Community College (SCC) in 1981, he played a pivotal role as chair from 1985 until just a year ago.
Under Little's leadership, the SCC Foundation saw its funds burgeon from $500,000 to more than $52 million. Larry Caddell, a fellow community leader, remarked, “I don’t think Sandhills would have been what it is today if it hadn’t been for George Little’s influence.”
His civic involvement earned him numerous awards from local organizations including the Kiwanis Club, the United Way, and the Boy Scouts, testifying to his broad community impact.
In addition to his public service, Little ventured into business, founding George W. Little & Associates, an insurance agency, in 1977. This endeavor highlighted his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to economic development.
He was pivotal in forming the Moore County Economic Development Partnership (MCEDP) and remained engaged as a founding member of the board since 2002.
According to Natalie Hawkins, “He was a champion of economic development. He had a heart of gold. He always made you smile.”
Kelly Miller reflected on Little’s enduring influence on local tourism, saying, “Our community has lost a passionate leader... he was instrumental in the passage of the original legislation that created the county tourism authority.”
Throughout his life, Little's efforts were committed to enhancing the community’s prospects through various avenues, from education to tourism and business development.
State Sen. McInnis further emphasized Little's indelible mark on the political scene, stating, “While today is a sad day for our county, our state, and our nation, we can all be confident that his legacy will remain forever in our hearts and minds.”
