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Last Surviving Grandchild of Henry Ford Dies at 88

William Clay Ford, former vice chairman of Ford Motor Company and the last surviving grandchild of Henry Ford, died yesterday at his home from pneumonia. He was 88 years old.
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Elected to the Board of Directors in 1948, William Clay Ford began his career with the Blue Oval company a year later, after graduating from Yale University. He became chairman of the Design Committee in 1957 and remained in that position for 32 years.

He was also elected chairman of the Executive Committee in 1978, vice chairman of the Board in 1980 and chairman of the Finance Committee in 1987. William Clay Ford retired completely in 2005, being named Director Emeritus.

Mr. Ford was also a philanthropist, the chairman and owner of the Detroit Lions football team from 1963 until his death, chairman of the board of the Henry Ford Museum (1951 - 1983), director of the Detroit Economic Club and an honorary life trustee of the Eisenhower Medical Center.

To honor his memory, Ford Motor Company locations across the United States will lower their American and Ford flags to half-staff for a 30-day period.

“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.”
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About the author: Ciprian Florea
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Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
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