Rev. Cline Wilson Borders age 87 died Friday November 1, 2013 at Summit Place in Kings Mountain. Born on April 14, 1926 he was the youngest child of Mike L. and Dona Cline Borders. The family consisted of eight children, Ambrose Borders, Bernice B. Hamrick, Hess Johnson, Mary Sue Carroll, Laura Mae Self, Cleo Worrell, and Mike L. Borders Jr. In addition to his parents and brothers and sisters, Mr. Borders is also preceded in death by his wife, Doris Browne Borders. Mr. Borders served in the Armed Forces. He fought with the 79th infantry division in the final stages of WWII. He served in the Army of Occupation in Germany and was discharged as a T/Sergeant. Shortly after he returned from the service he began a farming career and was vice president of Post Road Cotton Gin Company. He received a call into the ministry and began his training by graduating from Gardner-Webb College. Mrs. Borders supported him through his ministry. He graduated from Wake Forest University, Southeastern Theological Seminary, and completed his Clinical Pastoral Education at the Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. He did post graduate study at Indiana University and North Carolina State University in the field of Adult Education.  His first full time pastorate was Ephesus Baptist Church in Spring Hope, followed by Draytonville Baptist Church in Gaffney SC. The he served as Seminary Extension Director for the Southern Baptist Convention for eight years, serving a five state area on the Eastern Seaboard. During his time he also served New Bethel Baptist in Lawndale and Norman’s Grove Baptist in Belwood. He was a pastor of Commonwealth Baptist in Charlotte. He served as interim pastor at Patterson Springs, David, and Ross Grove Baptist Churches in Cleveland County. He was Director of Missions for the Kings Mountain Baptist Association for eighteen years. He was elected President of the Director of Missions Conference for the Southern Baptist Convention and honored by the Home Mission Board as the “Outstanding Director of Missions” East of the Mississippi.  He was invited to share in short term Missionary work in Central America, South America, and South Africa. His last chapter of service was Director of Ministerial Referral Services for Gardner-Webb University and the School of Divinity where he was placed in the Hall of Distinguished Graduates of Gardner-Webb University. Mr. Borders was known for his commitment to the Lord Jesus, missions, and the body of believers and recognized by a variety of awards. He was sought as a counselor by individuals, ministers, and churches. Mr. Borders shared a leadership role in over a hundred revivals. The Sunday School Board of Southern Baptist Convention invited him to lead seminars for pastor in Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina and Career Assessment events for pastors for fifteen years.

Mr. Borders is survived by three sons, Cline Borders jr, Timothy Borders, Danny Borders; one daughter, Cheryl Lattimore;  and seven grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of the life of Cline Borders at Elizabeth Baptist Church on Tuesday November 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm with Rev. Rit Varriale officiating. The service is intended to reflect the work that the Lord Jesus accomplished through Cline’s life by the Lord’s patience, abounding Grace, forgiving Love, and persistent Leadership. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to:  Cline and Doris Borders Scholarship Fund, Gardner-Webb University. 110 S Main St Boiling Springs, NC 28017 or the mission cause of one’s choice.