William Guitar Little

William (Bill) Guitar Little, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbia, Missouri on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family and friends.
Bill was born on May 31, 1942, in Chicago to Matthias Little and Virginia Guitar Little. A fifth-generation Boone County resident with deep genealogical roots, Bill lived in Columbia from 1943-1945 while his father served in World War II, before returning to Chicago where he lived most of his life.
Bill attended Evanston Township High School, where he played basketball and formed lifelong friendships. He earned his business degree from the University of Missouri, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, played basketball, and began a lasting friendship with Coach Norm Stewart.
Bill began his career as a salesman at South Bend Lathe. He joined Quam Nichols, his family business, in 1970 and served as president for over five decades. His leadership extended far beyond his company. He served as Chairman of the Electronic Industries Association in 1988. He also had a remarkable 27-year history with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation. As Chair of the Chamber board from 1998-1999, Bill played an instrumental role in helping to revitalize the organization. He later chaired the National Chamber Foundation and in 2012 led the transition of four legacy affiliate organizations into the unified U.S. Chamber Foundation, serving as its Chair until 2021.
Bill remained connected to his alma mater throughout his life, serving on the Trulaske College of Business Strategic Advisory Board and leading a bi-annual book discussion with students in the Cornell Leadership Program for many years. He was a 2016 recipient of the Faculty Alumni award and received the Citation of Merit in 2000.
Bill was involved in preserving local history through his work with the State of Missouri Historical Society and the Boone County Historical Society. He was also the number one Mizzou Women's basketball fan, often seen courtside fist-bumping the team. His love for animals (including his beloved cat, Tails) was evident in his support of PAWS Chicago and the Central Missouri Humane Society.
A gifted storyteller who understood that "the best story wins," Bill was known for his wit and wisdom. Like Mark Twain, he was a true son of Missouri who appreciated that stories matter, especially clever and funny ones.
Bill is survived by his sister, Martha Campbell; nieces, Elizabeth Moore (Randy) and Kelly Wagener (Jason); his devoted Columbia family, Joan and Monica Menser, Melissa Murphy and family, and Mindy McCubbin and family; as well as his trusted caregiver and dear friend Jarred Fulford. He is further survived by other relatives and friends, whose lives he touched with his generous spirit and memorable stories. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Corinne Little, and his niece, Kimberly Markey (Myles).
He received excellent care during his illness at the Mayo Clinic, where he had been a longtime supporter, and was cared for lovingly in Columbia by Dr. Mozow Zuidema. Bill's incredible legacy lives on through the William G. Little Charitable Foundation, whose mission is to promote transformational philanthropy in mid-Missouri for years to come.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's memory may be directed to the Central Missouri Humane Society.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Columbia Cemetery, 30 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 East Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com