Gaither Cline, Coach & Teacher

GASTONIA - Gaither Delano Cline, 76, died March 28, 2010, at Gaston Memorial Hospital.

Born in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Clarence Leonard Cline and Devada Blankenship Cline.

Mr. Cline was a graduate of East Carolina University where he received a B.S. degree. During his 33 years as an educator and 27 years as a baseball and football coach, Mr. Cline taught American History, Distributive Education "DECA" and Drivers Education.
He taught and coached at Williamston High School in Williamston, NC for one year before returning to Gastonia where he taught and coached at Ashley High School and at Ashbrook High School until he retired in 1989. He was the first coach of the Green Wave baseball team. Mr. Cline was a member of Bradley Memorial United Methodist Church where he was active in the choir and Boy Scout Troop 313.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Jennings Cline.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Barbara Burnham Cline; children, Rob G. Cline of Clearwater, FL, Sherri Cline Sparrow of Gastonia and Jay W. Cline of Blue Springs, MO; brothers, Leonard "Whitey" Cline of Sevierville, TN and Billy Donald Cline of Gastonia; grandchildren, Justin Thomas Spar-row, Michael Jennings Cline and Sawyer Cline Sparrow.
The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday in the Founders Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia with the Rev. Eric Reece officiating.

Entombment will be at Gaston Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home as well as one hour prior to the service, and at other times at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bradley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1425 W Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052.

Condolences may be sent online to www.mcleanfuneral.com.

McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Cline.
Published in Gaston Gazette on March
 

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