CLINE, Michael Robert, 71. On November 16, 2017, Aunt Sarah's (Brook Road), the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity lost one of their best customers. Those who knew and loved Mike appreciated his keen support. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Ellis Wallace Cline and Wilhemina Faye Mayfield; brother, Ellis W. "Wally" Cline; and sister, Paula Suzanne Batteau. He is survived by his children, Kelci K. Haag of Richmond and Michael J. C. Cline of Ashland; uncle, James G. Mayfield of S. Pasadena, Calif.; and a host of loved ones, friends and colleagues: Joanna Keith, Carina Andrews, Chase Decker, Doug Gava Ph.D., Skip Gelletly, Sherry Guese, Floyd Henderson, Tommy Kennedy, Dick Lacy, Marsha Meadows, Linda Pinney, Mark Plume Ph.D., Joann Robinson and Blake Runyon. If you weren't mentioned specifically by name, please don't feel slighted the Times Dispatch charges by the line.
A California boy, Mike was an Eagle Scout and an athlete with a track record and enjoyed rafting and skydiving. He worked at various jobs as a youngster before being drafted into the Army and serving during the Vietnam War, receiving a Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievements. Grateful for returning from Vietnam, Mike continued a lifelong pursuit of education: Associates in Life Sciences at Sierra Community College, Bachelors in Psychology at University of Florida, Masters in Psychology at Radford University and Doctorate in Counselor Education at University of Virginia, as well as advanced certification in Counseling at University of Florida. Mike was a licensed clinical psychologist (CA), licensed professional Counselor (VA) and licensed sex counselor. He was a professor at J. Sargent Reynolds Community College for 42 years. Mike loved teaching and longed to return to his students in the Spring prior to his illness forcing him to retire on November 1, 2017.
His Colleagues, Chase Decker, Doug Gava (PhD), Linda Pinney and Mark Plume (PhD) have been a source of support and care during Mike's lengthy illness. Students Carina Andrews and Floyd Henderson have long ago left the classroom and been friends and support for Mike over the Years. Mike had a lifelong love of art, cinema, science, history, anthropology and architecture. His Queen Anne Victorian house in Ginter Park transformed over the years, either by Mike's own hand or with the help of craft or tradesmen, and became a home with his daughter Kelci and son Michael.
He enjoyed his trips to his Uncle Jim's "hotel" in Pasadena, trips to Holland, Australia and Egypt and visits with his friend, Joanna Keith in Roanoke. It was with great sadness that these trips were circumvented when Mike's battle with Stage IV lung cancer escalated over the almost past three years. The last seven months have held various stages of challenge, until he finally succumbed from the effects of a stroke last weekend. Mike wanted nothing more than to donate his body to medical reseach to prove the impacts of Agent Orange on himself and other Veterans. While the family could not locate a current research project, we salute the Veteran and scholar for his persistent focus on education and his service to his country and the Commonwealth. Family, friends, colleagues and former students are all invited to a memorial service to be held at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Rd., at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2017.
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4 Entries
November 20, 2017
Kimberly Batteau
I am thankful that you have found peace. My life is richer for having known you.
November 19, 2017
DJ
Words cannot express the heartache of your passing. You were a wonderful father to your son. He looked up to you and loved you very much. The only comfort comes from knowing you will no longer have to suffer from the physical pain that afflicted your body. You put up a long and noble fight. You were a beautiful caring person who always put other people ahead of yourself. I learned a lot from you that I will never forget. I always wished things had turned out differently between us, but your happiness was more important. May the goodness of your heart live on in those who knew and loved you. Your passing leaves an emptiness in my heart that no one will ever be able to fill. You will forever be loved and missed.
November 18, 2017
Joann Robinson
Farewell, Mike. You fought a valiant fight. May you now be at peace, freed from the medical encumbrances, and knowing that you meant a lot to the people who truly loved and cared about you.
November 17, 2017
Bernie Henderson
As President of Woody Funeral Home, I extend our deepest sympathy from all our staff for your loss. We are committed to providing the utmost care to you at this time and throughout the days to come. Our purpose is to assist and serve you in a manner that exceeds your expectations. We pledge to strive to merit the trust you have reposed in us.
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Woody Funeral Home Parham - Richmond1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229
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Woody Funeral Home Parham - Richmond1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229
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