A piece of the Detroit Lions’ franchise for over 50 years is gone.

Owner and team chairman William Clay Ford Sr. passed away Sunday morning in his sleep. He was 88.

The tragic news was reported by the lead writer for Detroitlions.com, Tim Twentyman.

I can confirm Lions owner and chairman William Clay Ford passed away Sunday morning. He was 88. Lions will have a statement coming.

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) March 9, 2014

Ford purchased the Lions on November 23, 1963 after a short stint as the team’s president.  He was second to only Ralph Wilson of Buffalo as the longest-tenured owner of an NFL team.

Ford took a back seat to his son, William Clay Ford Jr., when he took over as vice-chairman to the team. It is assumed by many that Ford Jr. will take over control of the team with his father’s passing, but no official announcement has been made.

Ford was the last surviving grandson of Henry Ford.

The team still has yet to make an official announcement on Ford’s passing, but a news conference will likely take place shortly.

MSU Impact Sports will keep you updated with any announcement of a press conference.

Michael Higer is the host of Lions Den for Impact Sports.