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FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2008, file photo, Detroit Lions owner and chairman William Clay Ford walks on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Detroit. Ford Motor Co. said in a statement Sunday, March 9, 2014, that Ford died of pneumonia at his home. Ford, who helped steer Ford Motor Co. for more than five decades and owned the NFL\'s Detroit Lions, has died at the age of 88. He was the last surviving grandson of company founder Henry Ford. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Ford Motor Co. leader, Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford dies at age 88

DETROIT – William Clay Ford Sr., who helped steer Ford Motor Co. for more than five decades and owned the NFL’s Detroit Lions, has died at the age of 88.

The company said in a statement Sunday that Ford died of pneumonia at his home. He was the last surviving grandson of company founder Henry Ford.

Ford served as an employee and board member of the automaker for more than half of its 100-year history. The company says in a statement that he was instrumental in setting the design direction for the company’s vehicles.

CEO Alan Mulally says in a statement that Ford had a profound impact on the company.

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