William H. Carpenter ’51

Bill died May 16, 2023, at the age of 93 in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

He graduated from University School in 1947, Princeton in 1951, and University of Michigan Law School in 1954. He served in the defense appellate division of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps of the Army and was a trial lawyer with the Cleveland law firm Arter, Hadden, Wykoff and Van Duzer.

In 1966, Bill joined IMG as general counsel and helped to pioneer the field of sports management in the United States and the rest of the world. He used to joke that he had written more sports-related contracts than anybody who had ever lived and “the guy who’s second isn’t close.”

During his career at IMG, Bill performed services on behalf of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Doug Sanders, Raymond Floyd, Greg Norman, Bob Charles, Dave Marr, Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, John Havlicek, Denny McClain, the All England Lawn, Tennis and Croquet Club, and many other athletes and organizations. He also served on the board of directors for Booth Memorial Hospital. 

Bill was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Nancy. He is survived by children Edward II, Marguerite, and Lynn; and four grandchildren.