OBITUARY: William Wirt Harlin, Jr.

William Wirt Harlin, Jr.

williamson memorialHARLIN, Jr., Mr. William Wirt, age 92, of Nashville, TN, passed away peacefully at his home, Wednesday, June 14, 2017. The eldest son of Luella and Wirt Harlin, Bill was a 1942 Graduate of Battle Ground Academy. He attended the United States Naval Academy and Vanderbilt University, where met his wife, Barbara Ann (Nunnally) Harlin. His professional career began at Red Kap Garment Company, and he later transitioned into the industrial laundry business.

Bill 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. 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.

Pallbearers are his grandchildren and their spouses. Honorary Pallbearers are the Harlin family, Emery Wade “Rocky” Jones, and The Son Seekers Sunday School Class.

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. Private Graveside services will be in Williamson Memorial Gardens.

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.

WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com