Mr. Robert Borders

1925 - 2009

SHELBY - Mr. Robert Wilson Borders, 84, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at Wendover Hospice Cleveland County, following an extended illness.
Born on March 7, 1925, in Cleveland County, Robert was the son of the late 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 Education Specialist 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 Aug. 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 Mill, only to return to education, his true love.
During his educational career, he served as a teacher at Polkville and Waco schools and teacher and 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. He was also a member and past president of 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 20 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 50 states and many countries abroad.
Robert is survived by his precious and devoted wife of 60 years, Helen Cline Borders and their three children; sons, Robert "Bob" Borders Jr. and wife, Beverly, and Steve Borders and wife, Cindy, of Shelby; daughter, Nancy B. Paschall and husband, Tim, of Gastonia; 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; brothers, W.H. Borders and wife, Rebecca, Henderson Borders and wife, Mildred, of Rock Hill, S.C., and Elzie Borders and wife, Elaine, of Cornelius; sisters, Sara B. Self of Shelby, Charlotte B. Plemmons of Asheville, Ruth B. Hendrix and husband, Charles, of South Charleston, W.Va., and Jewel B. Brown and husband, Bill, of Gastonia; numerous nieces and nephews; and 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: Thursday, April 16, 3 p.m., Elizabeth Baptist Church
Visitation: The family will receive friends following the service, in the church fellowship hall.
Burial: Thursday, 5 p.m., Elizabeth Baptist Church Cemetery
Officiated by: Dr. Rit Varriale
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth Baptist Church Building Fund or Handyman Ministry, 301 N. Post Rd., Shelby, NC 28150; or Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Branscomb #10, Charlotte, NC 28215; or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150
Funeral home: Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory