William Lawson Little Iii

1947 - 2015

William Lawson Little III
August 5, 1947 ~ June 29, 2015
Carmel, CA
After battling septicemia contracted while traveling, William Lawson Little III passed away, peacefully, with his family by his side on June 29, 2015 at the age of 67. Born on August 5, 1947 Lawson was the youngest of 4 children. He was the son of Hall of Fame golfer William Lawson Little Jr. and Dorothy Hurd and spent the majority of his childhood playing on one of the world's most beautiful playgrounds, the 1st hole of the Pebble Beach Golf Course, which was his backyard. Even at a young age Lawson had a thirst for sports, competition and adventure, excelling at both golf and tennis. He was a proud Carmel Padre graduating in 1965 and also attended San Jose State University and Monterey Peninsula College where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. In 1972 and 1973 he followed in his father's footsteps as a professional golfer where he played in tournaments around the world. He also spent a brief amount of time as the Tennis Pro at Ironwood Tennis Club in Palm Desert.
In 1976 Lawson found a home at Quail Lodge Golf and Country Club. He started in the pro shop and quickly moved into the real estate division. He spent 14 years developing Quail Meadows, his pride and joy, which is now acclaimed as one of the finest small communities in the world. Lawson was promoted to Vice President and then President of Quail Lodge where he helped bring incredible events to the Peninsula, most notable being The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, The Quail Rally, and the Eagle Cup. Through these events he helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. Lawson was inducted into the California Golf Writers Hall of Fame as Ambassador of Golf in 2009 and has served on the Jim Tunney Youth Foundation Board, the G16 Coalition, the Coalition for Monterey Peninsula Business, Monterey County Sheriffs Advisory Board, Carmel River Watershed Conservancy, Monterey County Emergency Assistance Team and the list goes on…
Lawson married the love of his life Rose in 1977 and together they had two beautiful children Chris and Sarah Rose. He was an incredible husband and father as he gave his heart and soul to his family. He was a father to many, a best friend to more, a mentor, a role model, and a confidant with the uncanny ability to give love, strength, clarity, and wisdom through simple conversation and his openhearted presence. Through his example and guidance, Lawson touched the lives of so many on the Monterey Peninsula encouraging them to discover the joy that he found in providing service to others and living in the moment. He made each of us better when he demonstrated the courage to be silly and fun-loving at moments whether it was easy or not, when he "went for it" with all life's gusto, when he cheered on his Giants, when he openly shared his hopes and dreams, when he demonstrated his magical athletic gift, when he stepped in as the wise leader in times of crisis, when he invited you into his home to share his favorite things, when he honored his accomplished father and his genteel mother, when he was the life of the party (and the designated driver), when he pushed "all in" at the poker table, when he fired off the potato gun, and when he focused on each of us as if we were the only thing that mattered on earth at that moment. It is our responsibility to keep his spirit alive by being our best selves and by contributing to our communities for the enrichment of the next generation. Although we may be imperfect in the mission, we have been taught what is possible. His voice is in our ears, his judgment is in our minds, and his love is in our hearts.
Lawson is survived by his loving wife Rose, children Chris and Sarah Rose, sisters Linda (Van), Sandy (Bill), and Sonya, extended family the Salmeris, the Selbys, the Swifts, the Hajenius', the DeRousis, and the Burnhams; his family at Quail and the many around the world that carry a piece of Lawson Little in their heart.
There will be a memorial service for William Lawson Little III at Quail Lodge's Quail Meadows starting at 12:30pm on Saturday July 11, 2015. A celebration of life reception will follow at the clubhouse starting at 2:30pm. All are welcome and encouraged to bring pictures and share their favorite "Lawson" stories, experiences, and memories. There will be a room dedicated to reflecting, writing, and sharing stories via video as well as an open driving range to hit balls in memory of the man and spirit that we will be celebrating.

8000 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel, CA 93923
Guests are asked to park on the Farm Field at the intersection of Valley Greens Drive and Rancho San Carlos, Shuttle Service to be provided.
In lieu of flowers please spread the love to those who are special to you, make a stranger smile, contribute to a charity that you are passionate about, or do whatever inspires you to keep the spirit of Lawson Little alive.