of Clinton, AR
February 20, 1947 - July 25, 2017
Gary Ray Kling, 70, a beloved dad, grandfather, and former football coach died on July 25th, 2017. He left this life like he lived, a little complicated and with a story. He was an All-American football player in high school and later played semi-professional football for the Denver Broncos. Gary and his first wife owned a bar, The Blue Lady in Denver where he would serve his three young daughters maraschino cherries at the bar. Wanita Kling, his second wife and he moved to Clinton in the late 1970's. They lived in the house his grandfather built, Charles Smith, where Gary spent his childhood summers. Even with an amputated leg that kept him from participating in football, his love for the game and the point spread never died. He coached Clinton High School football for 23 years, retiring after his youngest son graduated in 2008. He was also a volunteer fire fighter and fire chief for Culpepper Mountain. Wanita passed away in 1997. He is survived by his children, Tamera Matteo (Joe), Alisa Paladino (Allen), Suzanne Filson (Dale), Steven Kling (Christine), Dustin Kling (Megan) and eleven grandchildren.
A Memorial Visitation will be held in his honor on Monday July 31, 2017, from 6:00pm-8:00pm. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
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19 Condolence(s)
Lane and Nikki (Sutton) Housley
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
So sorry for your loss. We have great memories of Coach Kling. We will be praying for the family.
Dan Doughty
Monday, July 31, 2017
I have many great memories involving Coach Kling. I wish I could be there for the visitation to share some but I am working out of state this week. No doubt many others will be able to share in my absence. I am sorry for your loss and your family is in my thoughts.
Dan Doughty
Joel & Gail Barriga
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Dustin and Family,
We are so sad that Gary has left us. He was a good man, neighbor & friend. We will miss his honking & waving as he passed our house regularly. We always enjoyed our visits when we would run into him in town. He will be missed.
Will & Courtney Rusher
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Steven, we are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you & your family. I lost my dad last month & I know it's so painful. May God comfort you!
Mary Kaye Weaver
Saturday, July 29, 2017
So sorry Alisa and all of the family. Gary always had a smile when he came by the pharmacy and asked how LeAnn was doing. He was a good man.
Sherry and Randy mcCaslin
Saturday, July 29, 2017
So sorry for your loss. He touched so many young men lives thru the years.
Rusty and Lori Meazle
Saturday, July 29, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of Coach Kling's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark and Vickie Gammill
Friday, July 28, 2017
Coach Kling will be missed. He was an inspiration to my oldest son James who loved playing football for Coach Kling. Your family is in our heart and prayers.
Mark and Vickie Gammill
Sonys Washington
Friday, July 28, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss. We thought So much of Gary. Our boys were coached by Coach Kling. He taught them more than the game of football. He taught them how to play as a team. As a parent, I appreciated the fact that he demanded respect and he forced each boy to listen and respect the coaching team as well as their fellow team members. His love for the game made him a great coach and When he would tell the boys something, they knew to listen! Every time we would see Gary around town, we enjoyed visiting with him and he never failed to ask how each of our boys were doing He was a great man and he will be missed! May God comfort each of you!
James and Sonya Washington
Shawn Ivanov
Friday, July 28, 2017
Thoughts and Prayers for your family. God Bless.
Wally Sutton
Friday, July 28, 2017
Sorry for you're loss praying for you and your family buddy.
Debbie whillock
Friday, July 28, 2017
To the family,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Debbie and kenny whillock
Cletes (Bill) Blantz
Friday, July 28, 2017
Gary was a great friend and neighbor, sorry for your loss.
Sue Jennings Rooks
Friday, July 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to all of you and your families.
Debbie Merrill
Friday, July 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss. God bless and comfort your family.
ED WOLF
Friday, July 28, 2017
so sorry for your loss
Steve Hiward
Friday, July 28, 2017
So sorry!!
Wayne Borchert
Friday, July 28, 2017
Dustin, I am so sorry for your loss.
Kate newell
Friday, July 28, 2017
What a wonderful tribute to your father and grandfather. Our sincere condolences.