William Robert Barling

William graduated with honors in 1968 from the University of Nashville with a Master's Degree in Social Work. He was a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 58 years of experience as a clinical social worker in private practice. 

He and his wife, Ann, along many others, formed a private, nonsectarian, nonprofit adoption agency, Families are Special, Inc. in 1993. During FASI's many years of service, they were able to help place over 725 children in their "forever homes." 

William retired in 2020 from Arkansas Family Counseling and Health Clinic where he worked as a social worker. On December 21, 1962, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Griggers. 

Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He enjoyed listening to books on tape and was an avid Razorback fan. Bill never met a stranger and was a very kind and compassionate man. He was a very spiritual man and enjoyed attending church and singer in the choir in his younger years. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service celebrating William's life will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home Conway Chapel, 1751 Dave Ward Dr, Conway, Arkansas 72034.