Robert Cline

Robert Joseph “Bob” Cline, 81, of Albemarle, NC, formerly of Sanford, NC, passed away on September 17, 2011, after a lengthy illness. Funeral Services will be held at First Lutheran Church, 230 S. Second St., Albemarle, NC on Thursday, September 22, 2011, at 2 p.m. Pastor John Futterer will officiate. Visitation by family and friends will be in the church parlor one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be conducted by the NC National Guard. Interment will take place at a later date. Mr. Cline lived a life filled with love for his family, church and community. He was a graduate of Sanford High School and attended Lenoir Rhyne College, Hickory, NC. He lived and worked in Sanford, NC until his family moved to Albemarle, NC in 1972. He retired from Sanford Brick Corporation in 1992. Additionally, he dedicated 38 years of his life to the North Carolina National Guard with Co. B, 252 Armor in Sanford, NC. He retired with the rank of 1st Sergeant. In addition to his working life, he was involved in many volunteer activities in service to his community and church. Some of these included his involvement in the drive to bring the USS NC Battleship to a permanent berth, scout master at Trinity Lutheran Church, recipient of the Jaycee Distinguished Key Man Award, Sanford City Alderman, volunteer fireman, President of the PTA during his children’s elementary school years, and an active member of the Stanly County Manufacturing Association and the NC Brick Association. His most recent volunteer activity was chairman of the messenger service at Stanly Memorial Medical Center until his illness would not allow him to continue. In recognition and appreciation of his efforts, he received many certificates, plaques and awards. Mr. Cline was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Albemarle. In addition, he was a charter member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Sanford. He was born in Colon, NC, to the late Victor and Virginia Cline. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Ronald Cline. Mr. Cline is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Norma and their four children and spouses: Pam Mitchell (Billy) of Spartanburg, SC, Carol Hearn (Bill) of Winston-Salem, NC, Vicki Mann ( Randy) of Sanford, NC and Steven Cline (Lisa) of Albemarle, NC; seven grandchildren: Paige Mitchell Plempel (Brian), Britt Mitchell, Allie Mitchell, Katie Hearn, Sam Hearn, Ginny Mann and Kelsey Mann; and 2 great-grandchildren, Ryder and Reece Plempel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Discretionary Fund, 230 S. Second St., Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home in Albemarle is serving the family.