Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr.has left quite a legacy in the automotive world and the NFL. 

The grandson of Henry Ford, bought the Lions in November 1963. He has died at the age of 88.

Here’s one thing I’ll remember: He had the heartiest laugh.

In covering the team for years, one of my most clear memories of him was from about 10 or 12 years ago. He and I had a one-on-one telephone interview to talk about golf. Specifically, the several holes in one he had made.

He told me about the first one as if it had happened the day before when in fact it occurred in 1955 in Rio de Janeiro.

Ford said he was out to play just nine holes and then what do you know he aced a par 3. It was getting dark, but he wanted to finish 18 holes to make the hole in one legitimate. 

As darkness was setting in, he had caddies hold their lighters along the course and on the greens to guide him and his group into the clubhouse.

It was the first ace of many for a man who had enjoyed the game of golf around the world.

And he loved telling the story, pausing occasionally for a big laugh.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)