Ford Motor Co director emeritus William Clay Ford passes away

William Clay Ford, who helped steer Ford Motor Company into the modern era as an employee, director and influential member of the Ford family, died yesterday at his home from pneumonia. Mr Ford, 88, served as director emeritus, Ford Motor Co and was the last surviving grandchild of the company’s founder, Henry Ford.

He served Ford Motor Company for 57 years as an employee and board member, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company for more than half of its 110-year history. He was elected to the Board of directors on June 4, 1948, and began his employment with the company after graduating from Yale University in 1949. In 1957 he was elected chairman of the Design Committee, a post he held for 32 years. Throughout his career, he was instrumental in setting the company’s design direction, overseeing 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.

In 1978, Mr Ford was elected chairman of the executive committee and appointed a member of the office of the chief executive. He was elected vice-chairman of the Board in 1980 and chairman of the finance committee in 1987. He retired from his post as vice-chairman in 1989 and as chairman of the finance committee in 1995. He retired from the board and was named director emeritus on May 12, 2005.

Mr Ford is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha Firestone Ford; daughters Martha Ford Morse (Peter), Sheila Ford Hamp (Steven), and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis (Charles); son William Clay Ford, Jr. (Lisa); 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“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.”

Mr Ford had numerous associations and roles outside of Ford Motor Company. He became president of the Detroit Lions football team in 1961. He purchased the team in November 1963 and served as its chairman until his death. He also was a dedicated and generous philanthropist and community leader.