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William Clay Ford Dies at 88

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William Clay Ford

William Clay Ford

It is with heavy hearts that we at The News Wheel report that William Clay Ford of Ford Motor Company passed away yesterday, March 9, 2014, from pneumonia. William Clay Ford had served as Director Meritus of the Blue Oval and was the only remaining grandchild of Henry Ford himself.

Mr. Ford began his career with the company after he graduated from Yale University in 1949. He held the position of chairman of the Design Committee for 32 years and was elected chairman of the Executive Committee and appointed a member of the Office of the Chief Executive in 1978. Then in 1980, Mr. Ford was elected vice chairman of the Board, as well as chairman of the Finance Committee seven years later in 1987. He retired from these positions respectively in ’89 and ’95 before becoming Director Emeritus on May 12, 2005.

William Clay Ford Tribute Video

Martha Firestone Ford survives her husband; the two were married for 66 years. William Clay Ford is also survived by his daughters, Martha Ford Morse (and husband, Peter), Shiela Ford Hamp (and husband, Steven), and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis (and husband, Peter); son, William Clay Ford, Jr. (and wife, Lisa); and 14 grandkids and two great-grandkids.

“Mr. Ford had a profound impact on Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “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.”

We at The News Wheel extend our condolences to the Ford family as we remember all the great achievements of William Clay Ford.