Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin was at one time a working horse farm. It has been called the most significant historic farm associated with the modern Tennessee Walking Horse industry. One local man who was committed to the mission of Harlinsdale Farm was William Wirt Harlin, Jr, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 92.
Harlin, Jr., was committed to the farming and Tennessee Walking Horse breeding tradition passed down from his father, William Wirt Harlin at Harlinsdale Farm. In later years, he partnered with his brother Tom to complete the sale of the farm to the City of Franklin as a passive park.
City of Franklin website says, “In 1933, W.W. Harlin established the farm on the northern outskirts of great renown in the fledging Tennessee Walking Horse Industry. As famous as the farm itself is its prize stallion Midnight Sun. This famous horse became the first repeat World Grand Champion. The success of Midnight Sun in the ring and as a sire has never been matched by any other Tennessee Walking Horse. Even today, most champion Walking Horses trace their lineage to Midnight Sun.”
The City of Franklin purchased the 200-acre farm preserving it for the community as a park where the community can visit. Harlinsdale Park has also been the site of many special events including Pilgrimage Festival.
See an interview with Bill Harlin, Jr., where he talks about the family farm to  Leadership Franklin about his family’s farm and living in Franklin.
Harlin, Jr., died Wednesday, June 14th, at the age of 92, and was the eldest son of Luella and Wirt. Bill was a 1942 Graduate of Battle Ground Academy. After BGA, he attended the United States Naval Academy and Vanderbilt University, where he met his wife, Barbara Ann. His professional career began at Red Kap Garment Company, and he later transitioned into the industrial laundry business.
He was a past president of TWHBEA, from 1984-86, and 1992-93, and a member of the Tennessee Horse Council and the National Horse Council. In 2009, Bill moved the Harlinsdale horses to his farm at College Grove, TN, where his children and grandchildren continue the tradition today. In 2011, Bill received a Distinguished Service Award from the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He was a Lifetime Trustee of Battle Ground Academy and Director Emeritus of Franklin Synergy Bank.
Bill was an active member of Brentwood Hills Church of Christ and The Son Seekers Sunday School Class. He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, son William Wirt Harlin III, and brothers, Tom, Alex, and Bob. He is survived by his children, Camille Harlin Willis (Hal), Clay Harlin (Faye); grandchildren Bill Harlin (Kelly), Anna Beck (Brad), Tom Harlin (Laura), Talbot Harlin (Ashley), Mary Camille Hickerson, Harlin Hickerson (Mariko), Meredith Harlin Lomasney (Joel), and eight great grandchildren.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00PM, June 17, 2017 at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ with visitation one hour prior to the service. Walt Leavor will officiate. Visitation with the family will also be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Friday, June 16, 2017 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, or Lipscomb University in memory of William Harlin. The family wishes to thank Carolyn Whiteside, Nancy Schwartz and Bonnie Hall of Trusted Caregivers and Avalon Hospice, for their excellent care.
