Harold Wayne Cline

Parents Walter Ernest Cline and Vera Ruth Cline of Lindale, Texas preceded Harold in passing. His brother Jerry and wife Linda live in Roswell, Georgia and have been a source of joyful companionship and valued support throughout Harold’s life.

Harold is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Lynne Marie Cline. After meeting as students at North Texas State University in 1958, Harold and Lynne lived a married life overflowing with family, fun, and service to others. Lynne and Harold have been inspirational life companions.

Harold is the patriarch of a large and close family: 3 sons, 2 daughter-laws, 9 grandchildren, and 7 (and counting) great-grandchildren. Most of whom attended his 90th birthday on April 17. Harold has led by example in his devotion to family. He generously lavished the family he created with his time, treasure, and wise counsel. Harold instilled the value of regularly spending time together with family having fun.

Holiday meals, horse racing, UT Basketball games and travel were all venues Harold used to build strong and loving family bonds that exist today and will continue to grow.

His sons, David and wife Allison Cline, Robert and wife Tasha Cline, and James Cline all live in Austin.

His grandchildren, Elizabeth and husband Matt, Tyler and wife Beth, Reid and wife Meghan, Carson and husband Walker, Tess and fiance Jorge, Joey and husband Sam, Eva, Monroe and husband Harry, and Saylor will all miss his love, support and humor.

Harold enjoyed a satisfying and productive career beginning with a BA in Accounting from North Texas State University in 1959. After 2 years of service with the US Army as an Artillery Forward Observer stationed in Frankfurt Germany, Harold worked for Haskins and Sells in Dallas, Texas as a CPA/ auditor and then Whites Home and Auto in Wichita Falls, Texas as comptroller.

Harold moved his family to Austin, Texas in 1976 taking a position with the Austin-American Statesman. He worked for the Statesman until he retired in 1996 as Vice President, Finance. During his time with the Statesman he oversaw major changes that included moving main offices from downtown to Town Lake and installing state of the art color printing presses.

Harold and Lynne have been members of the United Methodist Church since the early 1960s. Harold has been a vital part of the congregation at Northwest Hills UMC since 1980 where he served in a wide range of leadership roles including: Sunday School teacher, Methodist Men, Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, and My Friend’s House.

Harold’s generosity and leadership extended to multiple charitable organizations including Meal on Wheels Austin where he served not only as board member and treasurer, but also as a driver for meal delivery. Harold was very active with the Methodist Men organization and weekly breakfast meetings were a part of his routine. He helped create and grow the Homeless Men’s Clothing Closet which began in 1999. Harold was not only a devoted volunteer supplying clothing and working weekly distribution, but actively brought others into the program to share his joy in being the “hands and feet” of Christ.

A celebration of our husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and most importantly a Good and Faithful Servant of his Lord will be held at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church on October 17 at 1 PM.