Funeral Arrangements, Public Tribute Set in Detroit for Dr. William ‘Bill’ Pickard

Dr. William “Bill” F. Pickard – entrepreneur, philanthropist, education advocate, business titan, mentor, and visionary – passed away peacefully at his West Palm Beach, Fla. home 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, Mich. – 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...