When William “Bill” Bodenhamer Sr. began his career as a graphic designer nearly half a century ago, he likely had no idea that a two-day assignment that earned him only $250 would leave such a lasting mark.
As the creator of the original Miami Dolphins logo, Mr. Bodenhamer, who died Sunday at age 72, is assured a place in South Florida history.
The leaping, helmeted dolphin he drew in 1965 has come to represent not only the Dolphins but also the region he loved.
“Our logo is probably one of the most identifiable logos in all of sports, in part because it identified the team with this region,” said Harvey Green, the Dolphins’ vice president of media relations. “This one was probably ahead of its time.”
The Dolphins logo, which has undergone only minor modifications in the past 30 years, was Mr. Bodenhamer’s most widely recognized work, but not necessarily his most satisfying.
“You just did what you could with what you had back then,” Bodenhamer said in 1997, when the logo was revamped. “I wasn’t too crazy about [the design]. I wanted to do something like the Rams had, something real good. But we just didn’t have much time.”
Mr. Bodenhamer is also known for his 1973 design of the University of Miami’s logo, one of his favorites.
“It’s timeless,” said Bob Burda, an assistant athletic director at UM. “I can’t imagine it being changed because it’s a part of the tradition of University of Miami athletics. People see that symbol and automatically know what it stands for.”
Mr. Bodenhamer graduated from the University of Arkansas with degrees in fine and commercial art. He began his career as a designer for the Air Force in Washington, D.C., from 1952 to 1954.
While there, he met his wife, Ozelia “Zann” Bodenhamer. The couple moved to Miami in 1957, and Mr. Bodenhamer opened his design firm in 1962.
Mr. Bodenhamer also designed logos for Capital Bank, Calder and Tropical Park racetracks and the Lighthouse for the Blind.
Although hampered by glaucoma, he continued to work and mentor students until his death. He will be remembered for his creativity, artistic spirit, sense of humor and love of life, his family said.
“Dad was just a true gentleman. He never had a sour word to say about anyone. He was the kind of man who made you feel right at home and would do whatever he could to help his fellow man,” said Bill Bodenhamer Jr. “What a great guy. I look back and I think if I could have half the experienced that he had, I’ll be a lucky man.”
Besides his wife, Mr. Bodenhamer is survived by son Bill, of Pinecrest; daughters Zanze, of Pinecrest, and Beth, of New Zealand; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11295 Red Road, Miami.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lighthouse for the Blind, 601 SW Eighth Ave., Miami.
