For 57 years William Clay Ford was as an employee, director and influential member of the Ford family, and he helped steer the Ford Motor Company into the modern-era. Unfortunately, William Clay Ford, who was 88 years old, died Tuesday morning at his home from pneumonia. William Ford, served as Director Emeritus, Ford Motor Company and he was the last surviving grandchild of the company’s founder, Henry Ford.
Mr. Ford played a pivotal role in shaping the company for more than half of its 110-year history. Soon after he completed his studies at Yale University, he was elected to the Board of Directors on June 4, 1948, and began his employment with the company. William Ford spent 32 of his working years as the chairman of the Design Committee, and he was instrumental in setting the company’s design direction, and he oversaw the development of a number of classic vehicles, including the Continental Mark II, considered by many to be one of the most iconic cars ever built. After shuffling through various ranks he retired from the board and was named Director Emeritus on May 12, 2005.
“My father was a great business leader and humanitarian who dedicated his life to the company and the community,” said William Clay Ford, Jr., executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “He also was a wonderful family man, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, yet he will continue to inspire us all.”
“Mr. Ford had a profound impact on Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “The company extends its deepest sympathies to the many members of the extended Ford family at this difficult time. While we mourn Mr. Ford’s death, we also are grateful for his many contributions to the company and the auto industry.”
Write your Comment