VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/17/21)—The Rev. William (“Bill”) C. Cline, 86, passed away Feb. 1 in his home at Shannondell at Valley Forge, Pa. He worked at American Baptist Home Mission Societies when it was National Ministries, holding a variety of roles, including evangelism, social concern and new church development, before he retired in 2000 as director of Chaplaincy & Missionary/Staff Services.

He was married to Elizabeth P. Cline for 42 years.

Born in 1934 in Salt Lake City, Utah, he was a son of the late Earl Marshall Cline and Vera (Johnson) Cline.

He held a journalism degree from Pepperdine University, Malibu, Calif.; a Masters in International Affairs from George Washington University, Washington, D.C.; and a Masters in Divinity from California Theological Seminary. He received an honorary doctorate in Divinity from Eastern University, St. Davids, Pa.

He worked his way through school as a copy boy and a copy editor at the Los Angeles Examiner.

He accepted a Navy Officer Candidate School appointment in 1957. Serving as a Navy chaplain, he reached the rank of captain before retiring from the military in 1994.

He was known as “Pastor Bill” to the congregation at Conejo Valley Baptist Church from 1967 until he started with American Baptist Home Mission Societies.

His gift for music meant he loved to sing and play a variety of instruments, including guitar and trombone.

During retirement, he edited several newsletters and filled in for various pastors.

Survivors: Wife; son, Timothy N. Cline, husband of Jacquelyn (Blevins) Cline; daughter, Laurel (Cline) Bobst, wife of Robert W. Jr.; three granddaughters; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by four siblings: Nita (Cline) Jones, Patricia (Cline) Warrell, Jim Cline and Janice (Cline) Bristow.

Services: A virtual memorial service will be coordinated by the family at time to be determined. Arrangements are by Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home (www.meyersfh.com). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Central Baptist Church, 106 W. Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA 19087.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.