George Ross Cline, Sr. of Columbiana, AL began his eternal life on Thursday, December 17th at the age of 88. He was a memory care resident at the Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home in Pell City, AL for the past three years.
George was born on February 5, 1932 to the late William Robert Cline and Cynthia Langston Cline of Cook Springs, AL. He was a 1950 graduate of Pell City High School. Upon graduation, he joined the US Army as an Infantryman, followed by 29 years of service in the Alabama National Guard as a Master Sergeant in the 167th Support Command in Birmingham.
George met his wife of 66 years, Jane Richardson Manning, at a Christmas party where they discovered they shared the same birthdate. They celebrated their 21st birthdays together on February 5th, 1953 and one year later, on February 5th, 1954, they were married.
In addition to Jane, he is survived by his #1 daughter, Jacqueline Cline Hale (James) of Columbiana, AL and his #1 son, LTC George Ross Cline, Jr. (Vicki) of Morris, AL; their daughters Courtney and Caitlin Cline; James’ daughter, Ashton Hale Champlin (William), great-grandson Jameson Brooks Champlin, as well as nieces and nephews. He was greeted at heaven’s gates by his parents, his sister Peggy Cline Knight of Leeds, AL and a pack of family pets lead by Thunder, Fergie and Annie.
George attended Howard College (now Samford University) and spent the majority of his early professional career in pharmaceutical sales for Rorer, Inc. and Ames Company, a division of Miles Laboratory. The family moved to Chilton County in 1978 and became active members of First United Methodist Church of Clanton. George enjoyed teaching the Carlisle Miller Sunday School class for over 20 years and served many leadership roles in the community, including Kiwanis Club President and President of the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce.
George and Jane moved to Columbiana, AL in 2001 where he enjoyed living and working on James and Jackie’s American Saddlebred horse farm, attending horse shows across the Southeast, and making friends across the country.
Known for his booming voice, laughter that could fill a room, sloppy wet kisses, big bear hugs, and foot-stomping sneezes, George never met a stranger. He passed along his philanthropic heart, positive attitude and tenacity to his children, who promise to make him proud every day for the rest of their lives, until they are all reunited in Heaven.
An inurnment service with full military honors will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 1:00pm in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL with Rev. Wes Kelley officiating. Due to current cemetery regulations with regards to COVID-19, attendance will be limited.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Memorial Fund at the Clanton First United Methodist Church.
Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com