A Steward of the Community
The “I Am Williamson” column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown as staples of our community; doing good, being seen and unseen, and exuding Williamson County. This month, we feature Clay Harlin, a key figure in the continued legacy of Harlinsdale Farm. Clay is a proud member of the Harlin family, who have been deeply rooted in the history of Williamson County for generations. Harlinsdale Farm, once a premier horse breeding operation, continues to thrive under Clay’s stewardship, preserving both the farm’s legacy and its role as a beloved landmark in Williamson County. Clay remains passionate about agriculture, preservation and community involvement, ensuring Harlinsdale remains a vital part of the area’s history. With dedication to the farm’s tradition and its future, Clay exemplifies what it means to be a part of Williamson County. We are proud to tell part of Clay’s story and celebrate his commitment to his family’s legacy and the community in our latest “I Am Williamson” interview.
How long have you lived in Williamson County and what is it about WC that makes it feel like home to you?
I was born in a Nashville hospital but lived my first three years in Franklin, before my family moved to Nashville. I attended Battle Ground Academy from 1969-72 and moved to Franklin with my wife Faye, in 1976, where we raised our three children. It is home to me because it was home of my paternal grandparents and my father.
What is your profession, and what led you to choose it?
After attending DLU, I worked for family owned and operated businesses at Harlinsdale Farm, which was a horse breeding farm where we tended to 200 Harlinsdale owned horses and customer horses—and reached as many as 300 additional horses during the breeding season.
I have also worked for two family owned industrial laundry services in sales, management and have been the President and CEO, lastly I served as a Teaching Pastor, Director of Adult Education and Missions for a community church. I retired in 2017.
Three words that best describe you.
Quiet, compassionate and engaging.
What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, traditions, etc.)?
Reading, travel, gardening and volunteer community service.
Where is your favorite place to go in WC and why?
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm—my place of so many memories of the people and horses that shaped my life as a child, teen and as an adult.
What keeps you motivated and inspired?
I love people and to hear their stories about their lives, where they grew up, and what made them who they are today. I get inspiration from hearing what motivates them.
What organization(s) are you involved with and why?
Friends of Franklin Parks and Church of the City. Friends of Franklin Parks exists to help create an environment that benefits everyone in Franklin, by coming alongside our Parks Director to find private money to enhance special projects that city budgets cannot cover. Church of the City is an outward focused church supporting ministries local and abroad, also helping people who struggle with the stresses of life, as well as assistance for widows and orphans in their distress. Church of the City is currently building the Village to bless our community by supporting those with needs, such as foster placement for vulnerable children and support for foster parenting plus those graduating out of the foster system.
What is the one thing you do not go a day without?
I treasure my morning quiet time where I spend time seeking God through quiet meditation, prayer and reading from His Word. No day is right without setting my priorities in order.
Finish this statement: I AM Williamson because…
I am Williamson because I am grateful every day that I have the privilege of living among a wonderful community of people, in an ideal setting that I get to call my home… Franklin.
