Ronald A. Cline's Obituary
Ronald Cline Obituary
A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Ronald "Ron" Cline, retired insurance/auto sales and U.S. Air Force veteran, will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2019 in the RiverCrest Chapel, Bixby. Ron passed away January 2, 2019 in Tulsa. He was 81. Born September 19, 1937 in Knox County, Tennessee, Ronald Archie "Ron" Cline was the first of four children gifted to Carl and Opal (Yoakum) Cline. Growing up in nearby Powell, Tennessee, it was there that Ron attended schools. While in school, Ron belonged to a Dixieland band where he contributed as the trombone player. Upon completing high school, Ron enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Texarkana, Arkansas - a destination that would truly be life changing for Ron!On his first day in Texarkana, Ron would enter a local department store where he found a beautiful, young lady selling socks in the men's department. Although Ron could only wear the socks issued to him, you best believe that he bought a pair or two from Norma Jean Griffith. It wouldn't be too much later that the couple would marry and begin a family of their own. While stationed in Texarkana, Ron's main duty was to build public relations between the base and the civilian Texarkana community. In order to prove that the airmen were spending their dollars locally, Ron orchestrated for the airmen's paychecks to be distributed to them in the form of $2.00 bills. As local stores began to see an influx of these $2.00 bills surface, any negative thoughts about the base quickly disappeared. Finding solutions to perceived problems was certainly a strong suit of Ron's and one that he would continue to use as, following his honorable discharge, he embarked on a career in sales. Fast-forward a few years and the Cline family would make Tulsa, Oklahoma their home as Ron served as a manager in the life and health insurance industry with Liberty Investors. He would later have his own company dealing in resort and lake properties before entering auto sales. Ron would only reach retirement as his health forced him to slow down. Through the years, Ron excelled at public speaking opportunities within the insurance sector. He also taught the course, "Think and Grow Rich" to various groups and individuals. He was an accomplished singer and even once qualified to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show, although it didn't come to fruition. He also memorized Ave Maria, in Latin, to sing for a friend's wedding. Ron was a golfer, fisherman, snow skier and enjoyed playing handball and racquetball. He was a football fan who was a faithful follower of his Tennessee Volunteers, Dallas Cowboys, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Described as a hard-worker, assertive and feisty, Ron said what was on his mind whether that was the popular thing to do or not. He was known to get up and walk out of restaurants or leave hotels, after checking in, if things or service were not quite up to snuff. More than anything, Ron loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren and his Lord and Savior and there was nothing that got in the way of that!It was in the early morning hours of January 2, 2019 that Ron was called home. He was surrounded by his loving family. Ron was 81. Those he leaves to carry on his legacy include: his wife, Norma Jean Cline of the home; two children: son, Charles Cline and wife, Nicole; daughter, Lisa Lenihan-Smith and husband, James; five grandchildren: Dylan, Hope and Faith Cline and Ryan and Michael Lenihan; sister, Karen Long; three sisters-in-law: Lula Haynes and husband, Jesse, Ann Griffith and husband, Bernie and Doris Seybert; two brothers-in-law: James Griffith and wife, Cathy and Noel Griffith. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Ron was preceded in death by: his parents: Carl Wilford Cline and Opal Nami (Yoakum) Cline; and two brothers: Jim and Jerry Cline. Those that wish to make a memorial contribution may do so to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.Service RiverCrest Chapel 13329 S. Memorial Dr. Bixby, Oklahoma 74008 1:00 PM
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