Robert H. Dedman Sr.
Robert H. Dedman Sr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1926 Rison, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | 2002-08-20 |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, benefactor |
| Known for | Founder and former chairman of ClubCorp |
| Notable work | King of Clubs: Grow Rich in More Than Money (1998) |
Robert H. Dedman Sr. (1926–2002) was a prominent American entrepreneur and benefactor, widely recognized as the founder and former chairman of ClubCorp.
Early life
Originating from humble beginnings in Rison, Arkansas, Dedman relocated to Dallas, Texas at the age of fourteen to reside with his aunt. He completed his high school education at North Dallas High School in 1944, graduating as valedictorian, before enlisting in the United States Navy. During his military tenure, he pursued academic studies at the University of Texas at Austin, earning degrees in engineering, economics, and law. Following his service, he attained a law degree specializing in oil, gas, and taxation from Southern Methodist University in 1953. Concurrently, he engaged in selling insurance and real estate.
Career
Dedman's professional journey began at a law firm in Dallas where he was guided by H. L. Hunt. After acquiring golfing skills from esteemed instructors such as Byron Nelson, he ventured into the golf industry by investing in courses and establishing Country Club, Inc. in 1957, which evolved into ClubCorp.
He held the position of chairman twice for the Texas State Highway and Public Transportation Commission under the Texas Department of Transportation and served on the board of directors for Stewart Information Services Corporation.
His accolades include being named Entrepreneur of the Year (1976) by SMU's Cox School of Business, Dallas Humanitarian of the Year (1980), induction into the Texas Business Hall of Fame (1987), and receiving the Horatio Alger Award (1989). Additionally, he was honored by the Sales & Marketing Executives International Academy of Achievement. Posthumously in 2003, Dedman was awarded the Ambassador of Golf Award for his contributions to global golf promotion and charitable efforts extending beyond the sport.
Philanthropy
In 1986, Dedman contributed $10 million to the University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts. A street on UT Austin’s campus was named Robert Dedman Drive in 2000 to commemorate him. The Dedman Memorial Hospital located in Dallas also carries his name. In 2012, Southern Methodist University (SMU) received a $5 million donation from the Dedman Foundation.
He became a member of SMU's board of trustees in 1976 and served as its chairman between 1992 and 1996. His cumulative gifts to SMU totaled $77 million, resulting in several campus entities bearing his name: the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, the Dedman School of Law, and the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. Furthermore, he supported Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where the Robert H. Dedman Center for Business Leadership honors him.
Personal life
By 2001, Dedman was listed among America's 400 wealthiest individuals with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. He was married to Nancy Dedman and had two children: Robert H. Dedman Jr., who led ClubCorp as CEO from 1998 until 2004, and Patricia Dedman "Patty" Dietz, who previously served on ClubCorp’s board. Dedman died on August 20, 2002, following a prolonged illness.
Bibliography
- King of Clubs: Grow Rich in More Than Money (Taylor Publishing Company, 1998)