Rev. Michael “Mike” Wayne Cline  1960-2023

Rev. Michael “Mike” Wayne Cline, a beloved husband, son, brother, father and grandfather, peacefully passed away on Sept. 9, 2023, in Tyler. He was born on Jan. 11, 1960 in El Paso. Michael’s loving presence touched the lives of those around him and left an indelible mark on the community he called home.

Mike, a dedicated and hardworking man, embraced life with an adventurous spirit and an unwavering passion for the Lord, his family and his hobbies. Whether it was honing his woodworking skills, exploring the great outdoors through hiking and mountain climbing, tantalizing taste buds with his culinary creations or capturing the beauty of the world through a camera lens, Mike found joy in every aspect of life.

Rev. Mike Cline’s ministry at First United Methodist Church in Quitman began in November 2021. Mike also served as the pastor of Liberty UMC from November 2021 through February 2023, when it transitioned to the Global Methodist denomination. His appointment to First United Methodist Church in Quitman was preceded by a 9+ year ministry at Tennison Memorial UMC in Mount Pleasant. Prior to Tennison he served with Cheatham Memorial UMC in Edgewood and FUMC Troup. Mike believed strongly in the value of outreach, community involvement, long-range planning, communications, technology and hope. 

Mike attended and finished at UTEP in El Paso. Next, he received his bachelor of arts degree in English literature from the University of North Texas at Dallas and his master of divinity/ministry from Perkins School of Theology at SMU. Mike’s commitment was to promote growth and improve the well-being of Quitman FUMC. 

Mike has also been an active Rotarian since June 2003. He has served as a member of Quitman Rotary since March 2022, and prior to that, he served as a member of Troup Rotary Club. In August 2023, Mike was honored to be awarded the Paul Harris Fellow. 

In the quiet moments, Michael deeply valued the importance of family. He leaves behind his cherished wife, Cindy Reider, with whom he experienced a love that was a guiding light throughout their journey together. Mike’s love extended to his mother, Kathleen Cline; and brothers, James Cline and wife Sharon, and Patrick Cline and partner Rhonda Tan. Family held a special place in Mike’s heart, as did his precious children: Sarah Hesse and husband Kirk, Christina Cline and partner Justin Russell, and Elizabeth Jones and husband Cody.

Grandfatherhood brought immeasurable joy to Michael’s life. In the laughter-filled moments spent with his adoring grandchildren, John Hesse, Lauren Jones, Levi Hesse and Paisley Russell, his love and tenderness shone bright, weaving memories that will forever be treasured in their hearts.

A funeral service honoring Mike’s life and legacy was held on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Quitman, with pastors Rev. Jeffery Olive, Rev. Rhett Ansley, Rev. Sunny Brown Farley, Rev. Robert Besser and Rev. Candace Barron officiating. 

Prior to the service, a visitation was held on Sept. 15, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations, providing the opportunity for friends and loved ones to share their condolences with the family.

Michael was laid to rest following the funeral service on Sept. 16, 2023 at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Hainesville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to support the First United Methodist Church of Quitman. Contributions can be made online at https://fumcquitman-net.fumcquitman.org/

Michael Wayne Cline will forever be remembered for his kind heart, adventurous spirit and unwavering love for his family. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lowe-Gardner Funerals & Cremations in Quitman. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rev. Michael Wayne Cline, please visit our flower store.