Robert C. Cline

He was a 1953 Broughton High graduate, received a B.M.E. from NCSU in 1958 and was Archon of Pi Kappa Phi in 1957.

Bob was the son of Franklin Dewey Cline and Lillie Clyde Brown. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Walton Cline.

Bob was a department head with Corning Glass Company involved in setting up the Corning facility in 1961. In 1965, Bob and Carolyn started their own business, the House and Lawn Center in Ridgewood Shopping Center. Other businesses that were started over the years include, The Fireside Shop, House and Lawn Garden Center, Flowers by Lorraine, and Fireside and Patio Stores. Fireside Distributors Inc, a wholesale business opened on Atlantic Ave. in 1978, is owned and operated by his "son" Steve Hall and his "daughter" Susan Thornbrough. Many of his other beloved employees remain in the business today. Bob was active in the formation and development of the National Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association. Bob served as the chairman of the national trade show and as the founding president of the Carolina Hearth Products Association (currently the Southeast HPBA) which today is one of the largest hearth affiliates in the country.

In addition to his wife Carolyn, Bob is survived by his niece Catherine Cline Pfaff and his nephew Frank D. Cline III. Bob was predeceased by his brother Frank D. Cline.

Burial service will be private. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Homes of NC, PO Box 127, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 or to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Cir, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.MitchellatRMP.com.