During his career, Ford Sr. held various positions within the company, including vice president of product design and development, and chairman of the design committee. He was instrumental in the development of several iconic Ford vehicles, including the Continental Mark II, the Thunderbird, and the Mustang. He was also responsible for the creation of the Ford GT, a high-performance sports car that was introduced in 2005.
In addition to his work at Ford, Ford Sr. was also a philanthropist who supported various causes, including education, the arts, and healthcare. He established the William Clay Ford Automotive Design Scholarship at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing careers in automotive design. He also donated millions of dollars to the Henry Ford Health System, a non-profit healthcare organization that was founded by his grandfather.
Ford Sr. was known for his love of sports, particularly football. He was the owner of the Detroit Lions, a professional football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL), from 1963 until his death in 2014. During his ownership, the Lions won four division championships and appeared in the playoffs ten times.
Throughout his career, Ford Sr. was recognized for his contributions to the automotive industry and his philanthropic work. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Automotive Hall of Fame's Distinguished Service Citation in 1983 and the National Football Foundation's Distinguished American Award in 2006.
Ford Sr. passed away on March 9, 2014, at the age of 88. He was remembered by his colleagues, friends, and family as a visionary leader who was dedicated to the success of the Ford Motor Company and the betterment of his community.
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