William Cleland

William “Bill” Lynn Cleland, age 93, of Franklin, TN passed away on February 4, 2022 at his home.

Bill was born on October 26, 1928 to Lynn and Moeselle Cleland of Franklin. After Bill graduated from Battleground Academy, he entered the Navy V-5 program in 1946. He studied at Vanderbilt University for two years before beginning his active training in 1948 at the U.S. Naval School, Pre-Flight in Pensacola, FL. Upon graduation from advanced training, he was awarded the Navy Wings of Gold.

Bill served in active duty from 1948 - 1956 including as Lt. Naval Aviator during the Korean War. He served in reserved duty as Lieutenant commander (LCDR) in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

In 1956, Bill returned to Vanderbilt University to complete his Bachelor of Engineering, Chemical Engineering degree graduating cum laude. He worked as an engineer in various capacities until retirement. He was a dedicated member and Elder Emeritus of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN where he taught Sunday School classes and sang in the choir. For nearly 20 years Bill regularly volunteered at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville, TN. Bill faithfully met with his bible study group every Friday morning. He was devoted to his family and made many lasting friendships over the years.

Bill’s hobbies included golf, running, auto mechanics, flying, and watching his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Mary Moeselle Purnell Cleland and Gilbert Lynn Cleland; sister Shirley (J.M.) Sewell. Survived by his wife Jean H. Cleland; sister Charlotte (William) Bethman; children Gary (Christie) Cleland, David (Janie) Cleland, and Brent (Heather) Cleland; grandchildren Stacey [Cleland] Emerson, Michelle Cleland, Megan Cleland, Peter Cleland, and Isaac Cleland; great-grandchildren Aubrey Emerson and Ethan Emerson.

A private committal will be held with family at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, 9090 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN, 37221, harpethhills.com, 615-646-9292. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ Presbyterian Academy - general fund and Caris Hospice.