Robert Henderson Cline, Jr., 83, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Bridgeport Healthcare Center in Bridgeport, after a short battle with a health-related injury. He was born on April 4, 1941 in Fairmont, the son of the late Robert H. and Elizabeth S. Miller Cline.
Robert spent his youth in Colorado Springs, CO. He attended Colorado Springs High School in 1959 and then moved to Fairmont, where he graduated from East Fairmont High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a radioman from 1962 until 1969, where he toured during Vietnam. Robert was awarded the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class, as well as several combat medals and ribbons.
After his time in the Navy, Robert attended Fairmont State College, the University of Cincinnati, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree, Xavier University, where he earned his Master’s degree in Education. He also completed post graduate work from West Virginia University and Marshall University.
Robert spent 38 years in education, teaching history and English at various schools including Mt. Healthy High School in Cinti, OH, Mannington Middle and High Schools in Mannington, WV, Monongah High School in Monongah, WV, and in Harrison County, WV at Broadway Junior High School, where he coached the boys basketball team to several county championships, Lincoln High School, Salem Junior High School, and a guidance counselor at RW High School. He was also a guidance counselor at Northview Junior High School, and Lumberport Middle School, where he also coached basketball. Robert spent several years at Bridgeport High School, serving as the girls and boys track coach and girls basketball coach. He was instrumental in helping the high school get a new track built through the help of the National Guard.
Besides being an advocate for students and athletes his entire career, he was also an avid musician. Robert sang in several well-known bands in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, including his own. He was accomplished on the Bass, Keyboard and guitar, and a member of the Federation of Musicians Local 507 for many years.
After retirement, he played music along with his wife, Brenda Cline in the “Itty-Bitty Band”, entertaining at local senior centers, nursing homes, fairs, and festivals. In the 90’s, Robert was the proud owner and operator of “the Hobby Shop” in Shinnston and Northview in Clarksburg.
Robert spent his life staying busy with Youth education and sports, many interests and hobbies, enjoyed music and retirement to the fullest, and was a devoted husband to his wife, Brenda, who was in his words, “the love of his life” … It was never a dull moment with Robert Cline on the guest list. He will be missed by many.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his stepfather, Gerald Shanks, stepson, Heath McEldowney, and grandchild, Alexis Nicoletti.
The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 2 pm until 8 pm. Military honors will be conducted in the funeral home on Wednesday at 5 pm by the Harrison County Honor Guard. There will not be a public funeral service. In accordance with Robert’s wishes, cremation services will occur. A service of committal will be held for the family at a later date in the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.
The post City Man, 38-Year Educator, Coach at BHS and Other Stops, Veteran, Musician, Robert Cline, Passes at 83 appeared first on World Online.
