Pioneer Clearview
Bill Powell–Miss him forever
Bill Powell, the one who own and operate a golf course, the one who was honored last summer as a racial pioneer in American golf more than 60 years, was passed away last Thursday at 93.The PGA of America said Powell died at complications from a stroke “Bill Powell will forever be one of golf’s most unforgettable American heroes,” PGA of America president Jim Remy said.
The grandson of Alabama slaves, Powell created Clearview Golf Club after returning home following World War II. While serving in Europe, he earned the rank of Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Eighth Air Force Truck Battalion.
Powell worked 18-hour days to support his family and build Clearview. Denied a GI Loan, he found funding from two African American physicians, and his brother took out a second mortgage on his home.He went on to carve Clearview out of former dairy farmland in 1946, clearing the land himself. In the process, Powell broke down racial barriers without fanfare by developing female and youth golf leagues.
Clearview opened its initial nine holes in 1948. Powell eventually repaid his benefactors to gain full ownership, and nine more holes were completed in 1978, more and more golfer’s know this club and carry their golf equipment to the course. Clearview is on the National Register of Historic Places, and nicknamed “America’s Course.” Powell said he didn’t build this course for any of the recognition. Golf is a part of society and he just wanted to be included. He said he want anyone who like golf to be included, too. Each individual should leave something behind of meaning. It feels good to know that I have done that with Clearview, at long last.
powell was inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame in 1996, and became a PGA Life Member in 1999. Powell also received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from his alma mater, Wilberforce University, and from Baldwin-Wallace College. And he also played a role in The First Tee, which has distributed more than 1,100 William J. Powell Scholarships that allow youngsters to attend The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academies conducted on college campuses.
Powell was preceded in death by wife Marcella and son William. In addition to daughter Renee, he’s survived by son Larry, who has served for more than 30 years as superintendent at Clearview Golf Club, and twin sisters Mary Alice Walker and Rose Marie Mathews. Clearview: America’s Course was now regarded as a labor of love. Let’s take our hat off to this great black golf pioneer.
related article: PGA Tour Players
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