Ford Director Emeritus William Clay Ford Dies

(RTTNews) - Ford Motor Co. (F) Sunday said that William Clay Ford, the last surviving grandson of auto pioneer Henry Ford, has died.

Ford Motor, in a statement, said William Ford died this morning at his home from pneumonia. He was 88.

William Ford served the company for nearly six decades and helped steer the family business into the modern era as an employee, director and influential member of the Ford family. Ford also owned and served as chairman of the Detroit Lions, the NFL franchisee.

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 1978, Mr. Ford was elected chairman of the Executive Committee and appointed a member of the Office of the Chief Executive. He retired from the board and was named Director Emeritus on May 12, 2005.

"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."