ADVISORY: Celebration of Life for Dr. William F. Pickard
18 Junio 2024 - 5:13PM
William “Bill” F. Pickard, PhD – entrepreneur, philanthropist,
education advocate, business titan, mentor and visionary – passed
away peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at the age of 83. The
visitation, funeral and public tribute at the Charles H. Wright
Museum have been scheduled for Dr. Pickard on June 28 and 29, 2024
in Detroit.
Born on January 28, 1941, Dr. Pickard told the
2017 Clark Atlanta University graduating class: “I’m from LaGrange,
Georgia, a very small town. I have a simple belief about life.
Anybody from anywhere can accomplish anything. But you must put the
work in.” His early life was steeped in the values of hard work and
education. He caught his first glimpse of the automotive industry
in the 1950s when his family migrated to Flint, Michigan -- a
pivotal move that set the stage for his future successes. Dr.
Pickard ultimately obtained an associate’s degree from Mott
Community College, a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Western
Michigan University, followed by a master’s degree in social work
from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in education from the
Ohio State University. He also received honorary doctorates from
Clark Atlanta University (CAU) and Florida Agricultural and
Mechanical University (FAMU).
Former City of Detroit Mayor Dennis Wayne Archer
stated: “I had the pleasure and honor to have a friendship with
Bill Pickard that spanned over 63 years. From the time that I first
met him, he was someone who loved and respected his family. He
always had a concern and a desire to help others less fortunate.
This is especially interesting since both Bill and I met and shared
rooms in the only dorm on Western Michigan University’s campus that
did not serve food. The nickname for our dorm was “Hungry Hall.” We
were very fortunate to have a community that encouraged us to do
our best. And he did just that…. through his time taken with people
who needed or sought out his advice, his generosity through
philanthropy, his high regard for people and his love and respect
for church. He will be missed but long remembered and
well-respected for what he did for others.”
Dr. Pickard’s 50-year entrepreneurial career
began in 1971 when he became one of the first Black franchise
owners of a McDonald’s in Detroit. His automotive business started
with the purchase of Regal Plastics in 1985. In 1989, he founded
the Global Automotive Alliance (GAA) Manufacturing, a holding
company that has generated more than $5 billion in sales. GAA
became the first minority-owned group of plastic parts suppliers to
service the top three U.S. automakers. Dr. Pickard was Co-Managing
Partner at MGM Grand Detroit Casino, and co-owner of four
Black-owned newspapers which evolved into Real Times Media, a media
marketing company. Black Enterprise honored Dr. Pickard as one of
the 50 most Influential Black Entrepreneurs over the past 50 years.
In February 2021, he was appointed by the Commonwealth of the
Bahamas as the first-ever honorary consul for the State of
Michigan.
Dr. Pickard served on numerous business and
non-profit boards including Asset Acceptance Capital Corporation,
Michigan National and LaSalle Banks, Business Leaders for Michigan,
National Urban League, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Black
Chamber of Commerce, National Park Foundation and was a lifetime
member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
“While many mourn a humanitarian and an astute
businessman, I am deeply saddened by the loss of my corporate
father, a man who taught me about the 5 ships of business -
mentorship, sponsorship, partnership, chairmanship and ownership,”
said Sylvester L. Hester, President and CEO, LM Manufacturing. “I
started in 1986 as an intern, and with his guidance, I went on to
become the chairman of his business and then owner of my own
business. None of that would have been possible without Dr. William
Pickard.”
Dr. Pickard’s commitment to philanthropy was
equally remarkable. His vast and impactful contributions include
more than $3 million in donations to his alma mater, Western
Michigan University, which resulted in the construction of the
Hall-Archer-Pickard East and West Living Center. The William F.
Pickard Living Center is named in his honor at Grand Valley State
University. The Pickard-Dortch Living Center at CAU is named in
honor of Dr. Pickard and Thomas W. Dortch, Jr, his friend for over
40 years. He partnered with his friend of 50 years, His Excellency
Governor General Cornelius A. Smith to launch the Smith-Pickard
Friendship and Alliance Scholarship at FAMU. Dr. Pickard supported
education efforts at Wayne County Community College District, Fort
Valley State University, Ohio State University, Spelman College,
Morehouse College and other HBCUs. His philanthropy also extended
to arts and culture at the National Museum of African American
History and Culture; Charles H. Wright Museum of African American
History; Motown Historical Museum; and Detroit Symphony
Orchestra.
In 2001, Dr. Pickard was awarded “Michiganian of
the Year” for his exemplary business success, civic leadership, and
philanthropy. In 2019, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded
Dr. Pickard “The Michigan Lifetime Humanitarian Award.” Dr. Pickard
leaves a blueprint for the next generation of entrepreneurs with
his book, “Surviving the Shift – 7 Proven Millionaire Moves:
Vision/Attitude, Opportunity, Relationships, Talent/Skillset,
Financial, Failure and Faith- for Embracing Change and Building
Wealth.”
Corporate attorney and long-time friend Alex
Parrish remarked: “Dr. Pickard was a titan in business, but he was
unique in that he carried his Social Work values forward throughout
his career. For many of us, he was our best friend, advocate and
supporter. He will be greatly missed.”
Funeral arrangements for Dr. William F. Pickard
are as follows:
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Visitation is scheduled for 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 28 at
Swanson Funeral Home, 14751 W. McNichols in Detroit.
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"An Evening of Special Tributes: Honoring Dr. William F. Pickard"
will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 28 at the
Charles H. Wright Museum, 315 W. Warren in Detroit, and is open to
the public.
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Funeral service is Saturday, June 29 at Hartford Memorial Baptist
Church, 18700 James Couzens Freeway in Detroit. Family hour is
scheduled for 10:00 a.m. with the funeral starting at 11:00 a.m. An
Omega Service from the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity will be held at
10:30 a.m. and an Omega Service from the Sigma Pi Phi fraternity
will be held at 10:45 a.m.
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The family invites others to honor Dr. Pickard’s legacy by
contributing to a cause that was close to his heart: Amyloidosis
Foundation; Charles H. Wright Museum; Motown Museum; and United
Negro College Fund.
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Media will be received at the public tribute on Friday evening,
June 28. Jocelyn Coley and team will assist members of the media at
the Charles H. Wright Museum starting at 5:00pm.
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Per the family’s wishes, representatives from the media will not be
allowed to report from within the funeral service. Photography
(still or video) within the funeral service is prohibited, as is
any use of electronic devices.
-
Interment is PRIVATE and the family has requested no media
coverage.
Media Contact: Jocelyn
Coley+1 248.416.4568Jocelyn@theallenlewisagency.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/671d4f89-7b49-4e12-9993-ea6586d0e43e