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. His skills, perseverance, grit, and determination propelled him to continue his dream.Editor's Note: This story was originally published on Dec. “My father, my number one hero, simply wanted to play the game he loved so much and – in this pursuit – endured enormous challenges as an African American golfer. “On behalf of the Sifford family, we are immensely proud and honored to have this award established in my father’s name,” said Charles Sifford Jr., in a statement. It also sponsors the PGA Tour's Payne Stewart Award. The Southern Company is the presenting sponsor for the award. “The Hall of Fame is committed to ensuring his legacy endures for future generations by recognizing others – like Renee Powell – who are devoted to making the sport a welcome environment for all.” “The creation of this award will establish a platform for celebrating the significance of Charlie Sifford’s contributions to golf in the face of adversity,” McLaughlin said. World Golf Hall of Fame CEO Greg McLaughlin said in a statement that the award and other exhibits in the past honoring African-American golfers will always be an important message at the Hall of Fame. I was taught early on by my parents that golf should be a sport for everyone, and we can all diversify this game in so many ways.” “I’m honored to be the first recipient of this award and to see Charlie Sifford be recognized for breaking down barriers that never should have been put in front of him and all others of color who strived to play this game. ![]() “As a youngster, my parents fought to get me into tournaments when I was not welcomed because of the color of my skin, which instilled in me how important it is to get young people into the game to help build their self-confidence,” she said. Powell said in a statement that she had to battle many of the same obstacles as Sifford and credited her parents for their support and encouragement. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004 for his contributions in helping break the color barrier on the Tour and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, a year before he passed away. Sifford won twice and was among the top-60 on the money list in his first nine years on the Tour. The Charlie Sifford Award is named for the World Golf Hall of Fame member who turned pro in 1948 but was excluded from the PGA Tour until 1961 and still endured racism throughout his career. ![]() ![]() It will be the first Hall of Fame ceremony on the First Coast since 2013. Renee Powell (left) is the head pro at the Clearview Golf Club in East Canton, Ohio, which was designed and built by her father Bill Powell (right).
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