Robert Wilson Borders

Robert Wilson Borders
3/7/1925 - 4/14/2009
SHELBY -- Mr. Borders, 84, died peacefully at Wendover Hospice of Cleveland County on April 14, 2009 following an extended illness.
Born on March 7, 1925 in Cleveland County, Robert was the son of William Herbert Borders and Laura Falls Borders. He grew up on the family home place, which is now the site of Magnolia Plantation where he spent many happy childhood days on the farm with his eight brothers and sisters.
Robert attended No. 3 school from elementary through high school graduating in 1942. He then attended Wake Forest University for two years before proudly serving his country in World War II as an Army infantry scout, 71st Division, in the European theater. After the war, he returned to Wake Forest, graduating in 1950 with degrees in Biology and English. He would later attain an M.A. degree in School Administration from Appalachian State University and an Ed.S. degree from Western Carolina University.
During his studies at Wake Forest, Robert married his lifelong sweetheart and beloved wife, Helen Eloise Cline, at their home church, Elizabeth Baptist, on August 14, 1948.
Returning to Cleveland County after college, Robert began a career that spanned 30 years as an educator and administrator in the Cleveland County Schools. He also worked briefly at Esther Mills only to return to education, his true love. During his educational career he served as a teacher at Polkville and Waco schools and teacher-principal at Burns-at-Fallston High School. In the fall of 1967 he was named the first principal of the newly consolidated Burns High School. The following year he moved into the position of Associate Superintendent of Cleveland County Schools, a title he held until retirement in 1982. During that tenure he was selected as the North Carolina representative of a national educators' group to study schools in Germany, Austria and Denmark.
A lifelong member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, Robert served the Lord as a teacher of numerous Sunday school classes for 53 years. He also served as a member and chair of the Deacon Board, president of the Brotherhood, and church moderator. As a member of the Keenager Senior group and choir he enjoyed many fellowship activities and trips.
A dedicated community leader, Robert served as a board member of the Cleveland County Mental Health Association, Cleveland County Historical Society, U.S. Selective Service and Cleveland County Planning Commission. In addition he was also a member and past president of the Shelby Kiwanis Club, Cleveland County Retired School Personnel and the History of Cleveland County Schools committee. A familiar face at the Cleveland County Fair, Robert served the Fair Association on its Board of Directors and as director of security and gates for twenty years. He was also a member of Friendship Force of Cleveland County and a volunteer for Hospice.
A farmer at heart, Robert truly loved his tractors and gardening. He also enjoyed camping and traveling and he and Helen traveled to all fifty states and many countries abroad.
Robert is survived by his precious and devoted wife of sixty years, Helen Cline Borders and their three children, sons Robert 'Bob' Borders, Jr. and wife Beverly, Steve Borders and wife, Cindy of Shelby and daughter Nancy B. Paschall and husband, Tim of Gastonia. Also surviving are his dearly beloved grandchildren, Will Borders and wife, Adrienne of Charlotte, Ben Borders and wife, Melissa of Granite Falls, Brandy B. Curtis and husband, Jim of Shelby and Laura and Anna Paschall of Gastonia. Two great-grandchildren, Caroline D. Curtis of Shelby and Luke B. Borders of Granite Falls also survive him.
Robert is also survived by brothers, W. H. Borders and wife, Rebecca and Henderson Borders and wife, Mildred of Rock Hill, SC, Elzie Borders and wife, Elaine of Cornelius, NC; sisters, Sara B. Self of Shelby, Charlotte B. Plemmons of Asheville, Ruth B. Hendrix and husband Charles of South Charleston, WV, and Jewel B. Brown and husband, Bill of Gastonia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Other survivors include brothers-in-law, Clyde Rhyne and wife, Betty of Sanford, Joe Cline and wife, Betty of Waynesville and V. O. Cline and wife, Jane of Rutherfordton.
In addition to his parents, Robert's grandchild, Jacob T. Paschall of Gastonia and sister, Eunice B. Rhyne of Sanford preceded him in death.
Funeral services for Mr. Borders will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m. at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby, with the Dr. Rit Varriale officiating. followed by visitation in the church fellowship hall. Burial will follow immediately thereafter at 5:00 p.m. in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Elizabeth Baptist Church Building Fund or Handyman Ministry, 301 N. Post Road, Shelby, NC 28150 or Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Branscomb #10, Charlotte, NC 28215 or Hospice Cleveland County, 853 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.