James R. Cline III

Ralph was born 9/8/1952 in Birmingham, Alabama to James Ralph Cline Jr and Bobbie Jean Cline. He graduated from Hewitt Trussville High School May 1970 with an advanced academic diploma. He married Mildred Patricia Taylor, December 16, 1976 at Taylor Memorial Methodist Church. They met at Hewitt Trussville High School on September 9, 1969, the day after his birthday. They were married for 27 years. For some time in their early marriage, they lived in a very cool school bus in Marin County. While there, he studied religion at Golden Gate Seminary. They moved back to Clay County, Alabama in the early 80’s after the birth of their child, Ocean Starr. Ralph later earned a degree in Computer Science from Central Alabama Community College (then, Nunnelly State Technical College) and went on to earn a Masters in Public Administration with concentration in computer science in Computer Science from Jacksonville State University. He lived with Patty and their two children, Starr and James Ralph IV in Alpine, Alabama, for many years, where he very much enjoyed raising exotic and traditional farm animals, including rheas and pygmy goats. He was also very proud of his garden and enjoyed it deeply.

After the end of his marriage, he moved toward retirement from his long career teaching Computer Science and Programming at Central Alabama Community College, sold or gave away most of his “stuff”, and drove away in World Headquarters, his RV. For many years, he adventured solo, and with occasional company, mostly around Alabama and his favorite, New Orleans. Especially during this time, he became a wonderful and respected photographer.

He is survived by his former wife, his children and grandchildren, his sister Paula Jean Cline Clements and her husband, Bruce; brother David Thomas Cline; wife, Jodi, and their three daughters, Cari Lee (Cline) Lilla, Christen Marie (Cline) Baker, and Cassidy Anne (Cline) Rothrock; and many other adopted family members and their children. He never limited his love to those who shared blood ties and always did his best to look after the children. It is impossible to list or count those who loved him and whom he loved, in his personal circles, and across the world in his internet communities.

He is predeceased by his parents, Bobbie Jean and James Ralph Cline Jr., maternal grandparents: Leona Pauline and David Thomas Walker, and paternal grandparents: Pauline Cline and James Ralph Cline Sr.

If you wish to do honor to his name and his life, be as present as possible in the NOW of your life, and spread what love you can in the circles you touch. That is the way to make his soul smile. Be kind and be free.

Celebration of Life details to be announced.