Robert Cline Obituary

Robert Eugene Cline, Jr. "Gene" NEWTON - Gene Cline, 51, died Tuesday, January 16, 2013, in Hickory, NC, after a period of declining health. Born June 27, 1961, in Hickory, NC, he was the son of the late Robert Eugene Cline and the late Marion Gaither Cline. He graduated high school from North State Academy and earned a BFA in print making, from Guilford College. During his versatile career life, he made his home in Catawba County, Wilmington, Greensboro, Charlotte, and Blowing Rock. Gene was a talented artist, interior and garden designer, and chef. He approached all of these endeavors with whole hearted passion and creativity. A gracious host, he was the definition of a Southern gentleman, and well known for his fabulous Easter Bonnet parties. He had a multitude of friends, and enriched the lives of many with his gracious and generous personality, as well as his feisty sense of humor. He enjoyed travel, art, music, cooking, gardening, reading, sketching and painting, writing, and planning a party. Gene is survived by his sister Mary Helen Cline and her husband Kenyon H. Kelly, aunt and uncle Robert and Grace Gaither, aunt Martha Cline Cobb and many, many cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by aunts and uncles, Nancy and Archie Shuford, Vernon Cline and Margret F. Cline. A celebration of Gene's life will be held Sunday, January 20th, at 4pm at The Hickory Museum of Art, with a receiving of family and friends to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Montessori at Sandy Ford, Newton, NC and the Hickory Museum of Art. Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jan. 18, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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I went to college with Gene and knew him as one of the funniest and most artistic people I have ever met. I moved to Europe 25 years ago and caught up with Gene per E-Mail a few years ago. I wondered why his replies stopped and was very sad to find out that he had passed. My heartfelt condolences to Mary-Helen and the Cline family.
Gene-Ba-Ba was a very special guy who always lived in my memories as he will continue to do.

Swanie Simon

Friend

February 3, 2018

I don't think anyone has ever made me laugh so hard. I hope you find the Marcia Brady Suite satisfactory.

Paul Quinn

November 17, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Psalm 34:18

January 25, 2013

“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle”

What a day!

David Petrusch

January 21, 2013

Saddened to learn of the passing of my cousin Gene. We enjoyed discussions and correspondence concerning our common ancestors and I appreciated his interest and the information shared. He was a delightful person and I send my thoughts to Mary Helen and the Clines, Gaithers and Shufords. Thomas A. Worth - Oak Ridge, N.C.

January 20, 2013

My fondest memories of Gene are when he and his Dad would come into Bistro Sofia during the holiday season!!! Gene truly knew how to celebrate life.
Gene had an incredible spirit and he will be missed in this world!

Beth Kizhnerman

January 19, 2013

In knowing Gene, through college to present, I know that we have lost an immensely talented, creative and dynamic person, who contributed all that he had to those he knew and to his array of gifted talents he unearthed in his lifetime.
I am very, very sad to hear that he is gone from us. I know his talents and personna will continue to enhance this planet for years and years to come.
I am deeply sorry for his dear sister, Mary Helen, whom he loved beyond words.
We will see you in the many things and people you touched, dear Gene. We will miss your humor and (typlically) positive, lively, jolly and undaunting....(undismayed; not discouraged; not forced to abandon purpose or effort: undaunted by failure, undiminished in courage or valor; not giving way to fear; intrepid)..... presence, every where you journeyed.
I loved you once with passion and awe and I love now with respect and admiration.
I will miss you and you will be missed by many.
Peace
Jane Capin

January 19, 2013

The first time Gene walked into my rental house/home office to get a massage, he stood in the fake pine paneling entryway for a moment then came into the room booming, "Heather, all you need is a Thrifty Nickel stand and a gumball machine and you'll have the Stamey's entrance perfect!" Gene, I loved you and wherever you went, I hope you aren't too far away. Thank you for everything.

Heather Cutler

January 19, 2013

"Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. A poem by Thomas Dylan.

Gene fought the good battle but slipped into the light. Good bye good friend! You will be missed.

Judi (JB) Baker DuMont (Ms Ayun) Cooke

January 19, 2013

Mary Helen - So very sorry to hear of Gene's death. Tom called me about it, and we all, (Corrie, Paul & Nash included) send our deepest condolences to you, Kenyon and your family. Our thoughts are with you all.

Beth Corzine

January 19, 2013

Words are inadequate to describe Gene, he was larger than life in every way, but mostly in passion. Gene had a fervent spirit, a generous soul, and an unparalleled intellect. We are better for having had Gene in our lives, and will carry the bright light of him in our hearts forever. Let us all live like Gene, spreading joy, laughter, and love in our wakes.
Godspeed, my incredible friend.
Susan

Susan Edwards

January 19, 2013

Love you, Gene. I know you will come back to us in many ways...I like to think about how you would think about things, and that helps bring you closer. It'll have to do, until we meet again. I miss you very much.

Dorothy Chappell

January 19, 2013

Gene Cline was such a great guy. We met him on most of our trips to see friends Beth and Ellen and enjoyed his company so much! Tom Farrington & John Jones, Indianapolis, IN

January 18, 2013

You always had a knack for finding and creating beauty in words, food, decor, conversations, everything in the world around you. Thank you for your wit, your charm, your graciousness, your enthusiasm, and mostly, for making all our lives more beautiful. I love you, my friend.

Linda Ress Foxworth

January 18, 2013

A brilliant original, thank you Gene for crossing my path. What fun!

January 18, 2013

To my Sweet Friend,
Thank you.
I happen to know Heaven probably needed a little re-doing...
a much needed face lift!
Here's to YOU!
Cheers!
Lynn Gardner Curfman

January 18, 2013

Thanks for always sharing...your smile, your witty humor, your homes, your parties, your food and most of all, your heart. We will cherish all the memories of many great times together.

Mickey Price

January 18, 2013

The world really is a bit dimmer now with you gone. You brought alot of laughter to the print studio at Guilford and to our house in Summerfield.

Sending my prayers and thought to Mary Helen and the rest of the family.

Megan Fitzgerald Ward

January 18, 2013

Gene my friend, our world was definitely a more beautiful and brighter place because of your presence. You are a true Southern Gentleman. Rest in Peace until we meet again. You will be greatly missed.

Michael Bishop

January 18, 2013

My dearst friend Gene....he will be in our hearts and souls forever.
James1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

David Petrusch

January 18, 2013

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