Automaker, employees honor William Clay Ford Sr.

Flags at Ford Motor Company locations lowered to half-staff

DEARBORN, Mich. – The flag at Ford Motor Company's world headquarters in Dearborn is flying at half-staff to honor William Clay Ford Sr.

Ford, who was an innovator in design and quality for the automaker, died Sunday at the age of 88.

He was the last surviving grandchild of Henry Ford.

In addition to friends and family who are mourning his passing, several Ford employees Local 4 spoke with said it has hit them in a personal way, too.

Venkatesh Prasad, senior technical leader for open innovation, paused Monday morning to take pictures of the lowered flag.

"For us, it's a touching moment because it ties the past to the future. So, I thought I would come here and reflect on that moment," Prasad said.

To honor Ford, Ford Motor Company locations in the U.S. will lower their American and Ford flags to half-staff for a 30-day period. Ford locations outside of the U.S. will follow local custom.