'The heart of a lion.' New Minerva statue honors golf course pioneer William Powell

MINERVA − The village is paying homage to a man who devoted his life to making the game of golf more accessible to everyone.

A stylized metal sculpture honoring the late William "Bill" Powell, founding father of the historic Clearview Golf Course in Osnaburg Township, made its formal debut on the grounds of the Minerva Public Library at 677 Lynnwood Dr.

Canton artist Patrick Buckohr's rendition of a bigger-than-life Powell swinging a club was spearheaded by the Minerva Arts Council.

About 50 people, many of whom knew Powell, attended last week's event. Among them: Powell's daughter, Renee, head pro at Clearview who made her own history by becoming the second Black woman to play on the LPGA Tour.

"This is pretty amazing," she said. "My dad loved Minerva. This is his home. He'd be so proud."

Born in Greenville, Ala., in 1916, William Powell and his family moved to Minerva when he was a child. He learned the game while working as a 9-year-old caddy at the nearby Edgewater Golf Course.

"You truly are his people," his daughter told the gathering. "He'd be so proud of what you all have done."

Remembering the 'great man' William Powell

A brass plaque is being made by Massillon Plaque. It will feature a QR code so that visitors can learn more about Powell's life and history.

In 1948, Powell became the first Black American in the U.S. to design, build, and own a golf course 13 years before the PGA integrated. Clearview was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

Powell died in 2009 at age 93.

Renee Powell said the library is an ideal location for the statue.

"My dad was all about education and reading, so this was perfect place to be," she said.

Minerva Arts Council President Diane Evans said she's thrilled with the final result.

"I think it's wonderful," she said.

Minerva resident Tina Lewis said her late father, Oscar, frequently golfed at Clearview.

"My father was friends with him," she said. "We used to golf out there a lot. (Powell) was very humble man, but I think he'd be proud. I think he'd be amazed, actually. The Powells were a nice family."

During the presentation, Minerva Arts Council member Bob Clark pointed out details on the sculpture, including a military hat on Powell to symbolize his service during World War II. While serving in England, Powell was able to play golf on public courses - unlike in the U.S.

It spurred him to build Clearview, a place where everyone would be welcome to enjoy the game he loved. His son, Lawrence, has been the course superintendent there for more than 40 years.

"To stand here and talk about all of his accolades, we'd be here until midnight," Clark said.

Buckohr previously made other metal sculptures on display in downtown Minerva.

"It was an honor to work on the project," Buckohr said. "He was a great man."

Roger Bartley, president of the Library Board and a member of the Minerva Arts Council, said he couldn't be happier with the result.

Resident Carolyn Kandel was awed by the statue.

"I've never seen anything like it," she said. "He was quite a man."

'The heart of a lion'

Morris DuBose of East Canton, a childhood friend of Powell's son Bill, posed with Renee Powell for photos.

"We knew the Powells very well," he said. "My sister-in-law took lessons from Renee."

Pat Miller said she and her late husband, R.C. Miller, were frequent visitors to Clearview.

"Mr. Powell was always so kind to everyone," she recalled.

State Rep. Scott Oelslager, R-North Canton, came to support of Renee Powell, a longtime friend.

"It's tremendous life story," he said. "I've known Renee forever. I wanted to come over to honor the family."

Minerva Local Schools Superintendent Gary Chaddock said they've already invited Renee Powell to return to speak to students about her father.

"It's great for our community and great for our kids," he said of the statue. "It's tremendous. This is the kind of stuff that makes our community strong."

Within the sculpture, Buckohr placed the head of a lion - Minerva High School's mascot - in place of Powell's heart. A member of Minerva High School's Alumni and Sports halls of fame, Powell started and captained the school's golf club, and was a captain on its undefeated football team.

"The heart of a lion," Renee Powell said. "That was my dad."

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: New statue in Minerva pays tribute to golfing pioneer William Powell