Harold Arthur Kline

COLUMBIA - A graveside service for Harold Arthur Kline, 95, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 14, 2024 in Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dr. Zachary Kline, Dr. Andrew Demas, Geoffrey Samuels, Christian Player, Dr. Robert Kline, Dr. Michael Kline, Dr. Steve Cremer, and Guerry Sample. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel is assisting the family.

Mr. Kline passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born January 2, 1929 in Columbia, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Myer and Ella Kline.

Harold was educated in the Columbia School System and graduated from Dreher High School. He attended the University of South Carolina and remained a devoted Gamecock fan. Unable to follow his brother into the service during World War II because of his age, Harold became a Civil Defense Warden for his neighborhood. He later joined the US Ground Observer Corps, moving up as an aircraft spotter at the Filter Center. When he became of age, he joined and served in the South Carolina Air National Guard and was called to duty during the Korean Conflict. He was especially fond of his close retiree friends from the South Carolina Air Guard and gathered with them every month as well as the Romeo group at their weekly lunches for many years and the executive club. In addition, to his military service, Harold had an active career at Kline Iron & Steel Company, as Treasurer and Financial Officer. He also served on the National Board of American Institute of Steel Construction Finance Board.

On June 10, 1956, Harold married the love of his life, Rose Samet, of Asheboro, North Carolina. Making their home in Columbia, Harold became very active in the community. He was an energetic and dedicated member of Beth Shalom Synagogue serving on the Board of Directors for many years, and was a past president. He also created and served on the Beth Shalom Endowment Foundation and was Chairman Emeritus. In 1997, he and his wife received the Mogen David Award, with appreciation of services rendered to Beth Shalom Synagogue and together they were honored at the Traditions Dinner in 2007 for their roles in shaping the tradition of Beth Shalom. Additionally, he served on the board of the Columbia Jewish Community Center, the Endowment Board of Governors for the Columbia Jewish Federation, was involved in the formation committee for BBYO.

Harold was filled with love for the community and served in many other capacities including organizing the Cash Management Association of South Carolina, where he was the third president; the University of South Carolina College of Liberal Arts Board; and the Palmetto Richland Hospital Foundation Board of Directors as well as its finance committee. Harold served for 28 years on the Forest Acres Zoning Board. He was a board member of the Dreher High School Foundation and was actively involved with Leeza’s Care Connection, where he initiated the men’s group.

He was so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and loved being a part of each and every celebration. He loved dancing, attending the theater and symphony, spending time at Cherry Grove beach, and all gamecock sports. He was always spreading his fellowship and humor wherever he went.

Surviving are his children, Dr. Richard Kline (Kathy), Mindy Kline (Guerry Sample), and Larry Kline (Jessica); grandchildren, Dr. Zachary Kline (Shannon), Ella Demas (Dr. Andrew Demas), Anna Samuels (Geoffrey), Christian Player (Cari), Elliott Kline; his great-grandchildren, Mark, Mia, Hudson, Levi, Lennon, and Lilliann. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Tootsie Kline and his dear and faithful friend, Mary Nickas. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Rose, who he missed every day of his life. Also preceding him are his siblings, Florence Fox (Harry), Evelyn Cremer (Dr. Albert Cremer), Morris Kline (Claire), and Sol Kline.

The family would like to thank Harold’s caregivers, Laverne Thompson and Albert Robertson for their compassionate care.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.