William A. Cline, Sr.

WILLIAM A. CLINE, SR. William A. (Billy) Cline, Sr., passed away on June 12, 2012 at the age of 101. He was born on July 21, 1910 to Henry A. Cline and Elizabeth Wooten Cline who had moved to Wharton from Woodville, Texas in 1899. Cline grew up in Wharton, attended New Mexico Military Institute, graduated from Wharton High School in 1927 and attended Texas College of Mines and Minerals, Columbia University and the University of Texas at Austin. Upon graduating from law school at Cumberland, Tennessee in 1931, at age 20, he began the practice of law with his father in Wharton. For many years Cline owned and operated Wharton County Abstract Company. His philosophy as a lawyer was to serve his clients in the most honest, efficient and proper way and to treat all peoples with respect and dignity. Cline was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Henry A. Cline, Jr., and in 1945 by daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Cline. Cline’s gentle and beloved wife of 66 years, Margaret Farrar Cline, preceded him in death in 1997. He is survived by four children, William A. Cline, Jr. and wife, Kathleen Kimbro Cline, of Wimberley; Margaret (Peggy) Farrar Cline Wood Marr of Galveston; Robert Campbell Cline, Sr. and wife, Debi, of Houston; and Carolyn Cline Northington of Wharton. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Scott Farrar Cline and wife, Hillary Hale Cline; Cathryn Cline Carolan; Margaret Anne Marr Elfstrom and husband, Antone; William L. Marr, IV and wife, Jody Rasmussen Marr; Robert C. Cline, Jr.; Sarah Elizabeth Cline Wilkins and husband, Burke; Michael Monroe Bond; and step-grandchildren, Ricky Harris and Christopher Harris. Surviving great-grandchildren include William Barclay Cline, Hayley Newell Cline, Drew Henry Cline, Samuel Stewart Carolan, Benjamin Brian Carolan, Anna Lise Carolan, Mary Elizabeth Carolan, Cory John Marr, Cody William Marr, Quintan Dale Marr, Amelia Grace Marr, Aaron Allen Elfstrom, Marr William Elfstrom, Farrar Anne Elfstrom, Emily Faith Wilkins, and Jackson Carter Wilkins. Also surviving is one great great grandchild, Reef Marie Elfstrom. Although exempt from the draft Cline joined the U.S. Army in 1942 , graduated from Officer Candidate School, Ft. Knox, Kentucky and was assigned as Staff Judge Advocate in a 4th Army Tank Destroyer Division, Ft. Hood, Texas, where in 1944 he successfully defended the court martial of Lt. Jackie Robinson - later to become a Hall of Fame baseball player with the Brooklyn Dodgers. After the war Cline returned to his family and his law practice in Wharton and became involved in numerous civic projects. Before the war, he had served as Wharton County Democrat Chairmen, the first President of the Texas State Junior Bar Association, and a member of the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors. He held several offices in the American Legion, including Wharton Post Commander, District Commander and State Vice Commander. Cline was active in the Wharton Lions Club beginning in 1939, having served terms as President and Director. Lions Club members attest to his quick wit as he delivered his “Investigative Report” at weekly meetings. In 1960 Cline served an unprecedented second term on the State Bar of Texas Board of Directors. He was also a long time member of the Wharton Chamber of Commerce and served as President of the Wharton County Red Cross and the Wharton County Historical Society. Cline was a faithful member of Wharton’s St. Thomas Episcopal Church where he served as Senior Warden in his younger days as well as several terms on the church Vestry. He was an avid fisherman and woodworker and enjoyed traveling and dancing with wife, Margaret. Cline was recognized by many local citizens as the unofficial historian of Wharton County, his knowledge of local land titles, political and family histories being vast and interesting. Cline’s memory for details, events and places remained sharp throughout his life, often astounding friends and family. Although a student of history, Cline did not dwell in the past but lived his life for the present and future with a cheerful, uncomplaining and optimistic attitude. Following Cremation, Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 207 Bob-O-Link Lane in Wharton with Rev. Carl Shannon officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Church Parish Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, the American Cancer Society or the Wharton County Historical Museum.