Oren was born August 19, 1921 in Catawba Co. to the late Oren L. and Anna Yount Cline. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Deal Cline, 2 sisters, Geraldine Price and Lucille Lail and 2 brothers, Allen and Glenn Cline.
Oren served in the Army during World War II from 1942 until 1945.
He graduated from Clevenger College of Business in Hickory in 1946.
While still a student at Clevenger, he and several others started Modern Business Service, which evolved into his accounting practice. He operated Oren L. Cline Accounting as well as his insurance agency, now known as BB&T Cline-Southern Insurance Services. In later years he formed Oren L. Cline Consulting.
Oren served on the City Council of Hickory during the 1960’s and served as Mayor Pro-Tem.
Oren served on boards of directors for several banks and businesses and Catawba Memorial Hospital. He served in various capacities on the boards of Lutheran Services for the Aging for 17 years. An active member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, he served on the Church Council for many terms.
He was a member of the Lions Club for over 50 years.
In 2003 Oren received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor any North Carolinian can receive.
Oren was an avid world traveler and visited more than 50 countries.
He is survived by a daughter, Joyce Patterson and husband, Larry, of Matthews, NC; sons, Jeff Cline and wife, Joy, of Hickory and Dale Cline and wife, Brenda, of Hickory; granddaughters, Laura Cline Berry and husband, Chris, of Charlotte, Sally Cline Haden and husband, Andy, of Washington, DC, Betsy Cline of New York City and Molly Cline of Washington, DC; grandsons, John Patterson and wife, Erin, of Boone, David Patterson and wife, Melissa, of Charlotte, Adam Cline of Davidson and Luke Cline and wife, Lauren, of Raleigh; great granddaughters, Lauren Patterson of Boone and Mae Cline of Raleigh; great grandsons, Lance Berry of Charlotte, Cameron Berry of Charlotte, Cooper Berry of Charlotte, Luke Berry of Charlotte and Andrew Crane of Raleigh, Hayden Patterson of Charlotte, Oren Cline of Raleigh and Thomas Cline of Raleigh; half sister, Carolyn Cline of North Carolina and a half brother, John Pressley of North Carolina.
A memorial service will be Sunday, December 30, at 2:00 P. M. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church with Reverend Richard Fritz and Dr. David R. Keck, Sr officiating. A private burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 7:00 until 8:30 P. M. at Hickory Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Village (Lutheran Home), 1265 21st St., NE, Hickory, N. C. 28601.
Condolences may be made online at www.hickoryfh.com.
Hickory Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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