WASHINGTON, D.C., July 5, 2024 – The Hon. Patrick Adderley, Bahamas Consul General to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 29, 2024, attended the funeral service for the late Dr. William F. Pickard at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan.
Dr. Pickard was a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a phenomenal humanitarian, whose drive and commitment to the effective elevation and continuity of black excellence could be seen in all aspects of the lives he touched.
Mr. Adderley said it was evident that Dr. Pickard’s zeal to uplift and promote humanity transcended his home country, adding that he “extended opportunities to Bahamians through many scholarships and entrepreneurial ventures.”
“The Bahamas was proud to call him a friend and benefactor to our nation,” Mr. Adderley said. “His legacy will live on through the many young people he has touched. We will forever be thankful to him for his kind and generous spirit. May his memory be a blessing to us all.”
In an article written by Senior Reporter Ebony JJ Curry, The Michigan Chronicle on June 30, 2024, stated: “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, including The Michigan Chronicle.
“His philanthropy was boundless, his heart as vast as the ocean, donating millions to local and national organizations. Institutions such as Western Michigan University, his alma mater, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Motown Historical Museum, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Wayne County Community College District, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. have all been beneficiaries of his generosity. In 2019, he was honored with “The Michigan Lifetime Humanitarian Award,” a testament to his unwavering commitment to uplifting the Black community.
“Dr. Pickard’s achievements are numerous, but it was his character that truly resonated. At Saturday’s homegoing at the renowned Hartford Memorial Church, this is what was most remembered. As Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Dr. Pickard left an indelible feeling that will never fade.
“His brothers from the fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha and Sigma Pi Phi turned out in massive numbers, a testament to the powerful influence he had within their lives. As the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha gave their final words, they gathered two by two at the head of Pickard’s casket, taking a gracious last bow to their now heavenly brother. Each pew at Hartford Memorial Church was filled, a reflection of the impact he had on countless lives.
“Notable figures in attendance included Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Conrad Mallet, Lane Coleman, Dave Bing, Dennis Archer Sr. and Jr., Alex Parrish, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, and many others.”
