Bidding Farewell: Dr. William F. Pickard Homegoing Celebration of Life and Legacy

Photos by: Monica Morgan Photography Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. – Psalm 23:6. With a solemn wave of remembrance and respect, the Detroit community near and far bids farewell to one of its most esteemed leaders, Dr. William “Bill” F. Pickard. Known as a prominent Detroit business leader and becoming one of the city’s first Black franchise owners of a McDonald’s restaurant, Dr. Pickard departed this world on June 12th at the age of 83. This monumental figure left an indelible mark on the heart of Detroit and beyond, passing away peacefully in his West Palm Beach, Florida home. Dr. Pickard’s journey began in 1971 when he broke barriers as one of the first Black franchise owners of a McDonald’s. His entrepreneurial spirit blazed a trail for many, leading him to found the Global Automotive Alliance (GAA) Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management in 1989. The GAA has generated more than $5 billion in sales from its inception to the present day. Dr. Pickard was also a co-managing partner of the MGM Grand Detroit Casino and co-owner of five Black-owned newspapers,...