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William David Ford

1927 – 2004

American politician, Michigan

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About William David Ford

Lived 1927 – 2004 (aged 77). William David Ford was an American politician and lawyer.

William David Ford (August 6, 1927 – August 14, 2004) was a U.S. representative from Michigan and namesake of the Federal Direct Student Loan Program and William D. Ford Career-Technical Center. Ford was known for his support of workers and educational opportunity. Among his significant legislative accomplishments were authoring the Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the "WARN Act" or "Plant Closing Act") and the Middle Income Student Assistance Act, and his key role in passing the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. In 1994, the Federal Direct Student Loan Program was named in his honor.

Biography Ford was born in Detroit and attended Henry Ford Trade School, Melvindale High School, Nebraska State Teachers College, and Wayne State University. His father, a Scottish immigrant, was an autoworker who was killed on the job, an incident that influenced Ford's political views.

Despite their shared surname and home state, William D. Ford was not related to either the Henry Ford family or U.S. president Gerald Ford.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of Denver, Wayne State University, Sturm College of Law, Melvindale High School
Positions held
United States representative, Member of the State Senate of Michigan
Awards
American Library Association Honorary Membership
Also known as
William D. Ford

People in William David Ford's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William David Ford's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William David Ford?

American politician, Michigan (1927-2004)

When was William David Ford born?

William David Ford was born on 6 August 1927 in Detroit.

When did William David Ford die?

William David Ford died on 14 August 2004 in Ypsilanti.

What was William David Ford's occupation?

William David Ford was a politician and lawyer.

What nationality was William David Ford?

William David Ford was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William David Ford

· Wikidata: Q517866

· DBpedia: William D. Ford

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William David Ford. https://biography.guide/william-david-ford/

MLA: "William David Ford." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-david-ford/.

Chicago: "William David Ford." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-david-ford/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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