Thomas Ray Cline, Sr.


November 4, 1917 - June 29, 2009


Mr. Thomas Ray Cline, Sr., a kind and gentle Christian, peacefully died on Monday, June 29, 2009.

Ray will be remembered by all who knew him for his wisdom and generosity. Ray is now in his Saviour's presence with his beloved wife of over 60 years. His family will forever recall his unfaltering care of Annette, as Alzheimer's gradually diminished the one he so cherished. Lord, thank you for Your promise of eternal life and for this good man with his example of a faithful life.

Mr. Cline was born on November 4, 1917 in Lincoln County, the son of David Ambrose and Bess Smith Cline.

He was reared on a large productive farm with his late siblings, Marybelle C. Rhyne, Henry and Hayward Cline.

Ray graduated from Appalachian State in 1938. After a brief teaching career, Ray joined the US Coast Guard and served for 2 years during WWII as a Chief Petty Officer at Manhattan Beach, NY.

He and Annette Blanton, whom he met in college, were married in 1942 at "The Little Church around the Corner" in Manhattan.

Mr. Cline, his son Tom and business partners owned and operated numerous NAPA automotive parts stores in Western North Carolina. His astute knowledge of the automotive industry helped many family members, friends and stranded motorists. Ray enjoyed golf, trips to the coast and hours spent in his vegetable garden. "Pa-Pa" expressed his love to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in countless ways.

Among many civic endeavors was Ray's service as president of the Kiwanis Club of Marion and as a board member for the NC Automotive Association, Northwestern and First Citizen Banks. He was a trustee of McDowell Hospital and a member of the Marion City Planning Board. Mr. and Mrs. Cline were long time members of The First Baptist Church of Marion where he served as deacon and treasurer.

Mr. Cline is survived by son, Thomas Ray Cline, Jr. and his wife Shearon of Marion; daughter, Janis Annette Taylor and her husband Robert H. Taylor of Charlotte. Grandchildren are Estelle Cline Hung, MD and husband Patrick Hung, MD (Greensboro); Thomas Ray Cline III (Davidson); Anna McIntosh Cline (Greensboro); Garrett Cline Taylor (NYC) and Jana Annette Taylor (Savannah, GA). Great-grandchildren are Isaac Alexander Hung and Ellison Hamilton Hung (Greensboro).

The family wishes to express special appreciation to Nina Vandiford, Sherri King, Joyce Woody and Gladys Winters, who have cared for Mr. Cline. May God bless each of these dear ladies for their constant patience and kindness.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at The First Baptist Church of Marion with Rev. Dr. Scott Hagaman and Rev. Terry Childers officiating. The family will be receiving friends following the memorial service in the sanctuary.

Family graveside rites will be held at 10:00 a.m., prior to the service, at McDowell Memorial Park with military honors provided.

Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church of Marion, 99 N. Main Street, Marion, N. C. 28752 or Gideons International, P.O. Box 1788, Marion, N. C. 28752