It feels good to know that I have done that with Clearview, at long last." I've always felt that each individual should leave something behind of meaning. Golf is a part of society and I wanted to be included. "I didn't build this course for any of the recognition," he said. ![]() Powell eventually repaid his benefactors to gain full ownership, and an additional nine holes was completed in 1978.Ĭlearview Golf Club is on the National Register of Historic Places and nicknamed "America's Course." It is a piece of property, said Powell, where "the only color that matters is the color of the greens."ĭuring Clearview's 50th anniversary, Powell reflected upon his creation in his 2000 autobiography, "Clearview: America's Course." Clearview opened its initial nine holes in 1948. In the process, Powell broke down racial barriers without fanfare by developing women and youth golf leagues. Powell went on to carve Clearview Golf Club out of former dairy farmland in the autumn of 1946, clearing the land himself - many hours by hand. Loan, Powell found funding for his dream from two African-American physicians in Ohio, while his brother took out a second mortgage on his home. Powell worked 18-hour days to both support his family and build Clearview. He would return home and create Clearview Golf Club as a lasting monument to opening doors of opportunity after he had been denied so many pathways to equality throughout his life. Eighth Air Force Truck Battalion in World War II, and during his term of service was able to play golf throughout Great Britain. The grandson of Alabama slaves, Powell earned the rank of Technical Sergeant in the U.S. I watched on TV golf being played in Shanghai, China, and I do believe that the game of golf is the best vehicle to rid hate in the world." ![]() "We have had many people come to visit us, including some from Canada. "I hope that I have created more awareness about what Clearview is all about," Powell said in November following his Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame induction. In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to The Clearview Legacy Foundation for Education, Preservation and Research, a 501(c) 3 charitable foundation, which will help perpetuate Mr. 5, at Minerva United Methodist Church, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. 6, at 11:00 a.m., at Minerva United Methodist Church in Minerva, Ohio. He is survived by his daughter, Renee, a PGA/LPGA Professional and the second African-American to compete on the LPGA Tour a son, Larry, who has served for more than 30 years as superintendent at Clearview Golf Club and twin sisters Mary Alice Walker of Akron, Ohio, and Rose Marie Mathews of Minerva, Ohio.įuneral services for Mr. Powell was preceded in death by his wife, Marcella, and a son, William. We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family as we remember a wonderful man." The PGA of America is better today because of individuals like Bill Powell. In the process, he made golf a beacon for people of all color. "He was born with a fire within his heart to build on his dream. ![]() "Bill made us appreciate the game and each other that much more by his gentle, yet firm example. "Bill Powell will forever be one of golf's most unforgettable American heroes," said PGA of America President Jim Remy. In November, Powell was inducted into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame, was named Person of the Year by the Ohio Golf Course Owners Association, and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce presented the Powell family its Community Salute Award. Powell had celebrated in 2009 what he recently called "the best year of my life" - a season of tributes highlighted by his receiving in August the PGA Distinguished Service Award, the Association's highest annual honor. 31 at Aultman Hospital in Canton following complications from a stroke. ![]() PGA Life Member William James (Bill) Powell of East Canton, Ohio, the only African-American to build, own and operate a golf course, and a selfless ambassador for building diversity in the game, died Dec. Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Dec.
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