William was born in Caliente. A lifelong resident of Nevada. He was a retired Union Pacific railroad conductor, grandson of Nevada pioneers and attended high school in Alamo.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta Lea: one son,John Albert Acklin: and one brother Thomas Edwin Acklin.
He is survived by one son, Thomas Charles Acklin: on daughter, Vickie Sue Petrie; 10 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.