Dr. Richard Roy Aclin, 79, died August 10, 2019, in Ft. Smith, after suffering a lengthy illness. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 26, 1939, to William Roy and Mildred Pauline Aclin, and preceded in death by his father. He graduated from Hot Springs High School. He attended Hendrix College (’57-’60) and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (’60-’64) to earn his Dr. of Medicine. He completed his pediatrics residency at UAMS and was board certified.
Dr. Aclin served in the USAF for 11 years, his last assignment was Kessler Air Force Base (’67-’71). He served as Chief of outpatient Pediatrics and established the 1st Intensive Care Nursery at Kessler.
After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he moved to Ft. Smith to join Dr. John Watts in private practice. During those years, he was a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and served as Chief of Staff at Sparks Regional Medical Center and Chief of Pediatrics at both Sparks and St. Edwards Hospitals. He also supported the NICU & Pediatric Department at Sparks. In 1976, Dr. Aclin was named Assistant Clinical Professor of UAMS and Assistant Professor in 1998. He has been named one of the Best Doctors in America every year since 1996. In 1998, he joined the staff and faculty at AHEC (UAMS, West) in Ft. Smith. He was responsible for outpatient and inpatient care, as well as resident education in pediatrics. He initiated the “Reach out & Read” program for the clinic.
Dr. Aclin was elected to the Ft. Smith Public School Board and served on numerous committees. He was a member of the Discussion Class at FUMC.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Kay (Morgan) Aclin; and children: Dru Cessna (David Smith), Gregory Aclin (Patti Ann), Amy Reid (Jeff) and William Aclin (Leslie); grandchildren: Matthew Cessna, Katherine Aclin, Sarah Aclin, William Aclin, Andrew Reid (Jessica), Rachel Reid, Evy Aclin and Ellis Aclin; mother, Mildred Aclin; brother, Kenneth Aclin (Connie); close brothers and sisters-in-law, Carol Pace (Charles) and Windy Morgan (Jane) and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Edwards Funeral Home.
Memorial service will be Friday at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church and a family burial at National Cemetery with Military Honors. Family will visit with friends following the memorial service in the Narthex.
In lieu of flowers, donations to First United Methodist Church, Good Samaritan Clinic or Community Rescue Mission, would be appreciated.
To place online condolences, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
