Dick Cline

CLINE, DICK died on Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 at his home in Altadena Valley. He was born in Altoona, Alabama on January 27, 1925, and grew up in Gadsden playing golf on the Goodyear Golf Course. He served in the Army during WWII and while stationed in Texas, he met and married the love of his life, Thelma Mae Gray Cline. During WWII, serving in the 103rd Infantry, Dick saw combat in France. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star for valor and the Combat Infantryman Badge, and others. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1946, he resumed his golf career and on January 1, 1950, he became a life-long member of the Professional Golfers Association. He had a distinguished career in golf winning many local and state championships and playing four times in the National PGA. Dick and his wife have been members of Lakeside Baptist Church since 1970. Even though he was an avid golfer and had set many records and won many victories, he considered his family to be his best accomplishment. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Thelma Mae Gray Cline, five children, Richard Cline (Betsy), Deborah Cline Rolader (Robert), Pam Cline Benton, David Cline (Laura), and Darryl Cline. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren. Wendi Cline Bogart, Misti Cline, Sandy Cline Gerald, Richard Cline Jr., Galen Rolader (Brandi), Brandon Rolader (Brooke), Joy Rolader, Phillip Johnston, Buzz Benton, Alzey Benton, Amy Cline Hilton (Robert), Daniel Cline, Michael Cline (Kathryn); Isabella Bogart, Carley Gerald, Emma Gerald, Ivy Gerald, Madilyn Rolader, Sadie Rolader, Blade Johnston, Levi Johnston, Kayin Johnston, Parker Hilton, Emery Hilton, Brooks Hilton, Tucker Cline, Mike Cline, Katelyn Cline, and Maggie Cline. The pallbearers will be his 7 grandsons. Honorary pallbearer will be lifelong friend, O'Dell Franklin. He is survived by many sisters and brothers, Christine Lancaster (William) of Gadsden, Carrie Gosdin of Auburn, Janey Pannell of Decatur, Texas, Frank Cline (Alice) of Winter Haven, Florida, Bobby Cline (Patsy) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Leo Cline of Gadsden. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 26, 2010, from 12 noon - 2:00 pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham. The service will begin at 2:00 pm. Golf apparel will be more than acceptable at both the visitation and the service. Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society or to Hospice Advantage.