The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation is pleased to announce Bill Little’s book “The Road Ahead: From Company Town to the City of Sugar Land” is now for sale. This book was generously donated by Bud and Tracey Little. Bud Little is the son of Bill Little and this fulfills his father’s wishes that all proceeds from the books be donated to the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.
Bill Little was passionate about Sugar Land, coming to Sugar Land in 1957 when it was a small company town. He began his first full-time civilian job at the Imperial Sugar Company, which was at that time one of the nation’s most well-respected, family-owned businesses. Bill Little continued his career there for many years, retiring as Vice President of Sales in December 1993.
Meanwhile, Sugarland Industries, the Imperial Sugar Company, I. H. Kempner, his family, and their company executives had decided that annexation by Houston, just 20 miles southwest, would be inevitable in the very near future. These leaders determined that annexation by Houston would not be in the best interests of the company or the residents. This led to much detailed planning and, eventually, an election to convert the Sugar Land area into an independent city. As a result of this election, Sugar Land was incorporated as a city in 1959 and soon became one of the fastest growing cities in Texas.
Bill Little served on the first Sugar Land City Council, and he became the second Mayor of Sugar Land at the age of 31. He also filled other appointed and elected positions of leadership throughout Sugar Land and Fort Bend County, including terms as a Fort Bend ISD Trustee and as a George Foundation Trustee. Whether representing MUD districts or various local organizations, Bill Little always acted in the best interests of his community.
Bill taught by example and lived by the motto, “If you’re good to people, they will be good to you.” The road to Sugar Land’s future was well planned, and Bill Little was one of many people who guided this new community along that road. Because of early leaders like Bill Little, Sugar Land is a place known for master-planned communities, outstanding schools, and resources that make it a great place to live, work, and play.
Currently the book “The Road Ahead: From Company Town to the City of Sugar Land” is on sale online during Seasonal Hours of Operation. The book sells for $40, and all proceeds benefit the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.
See the Seasonal Schedule and Shop online at www.slheritage.org/shop.