Chapin, South Carolina, July 26, 2025
News Summary
Eldred Winton ‘Whit’ Cline Jr., a respected member of the Chapin community, passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 87. He is survived by his wife and four children. A proud military veteran, he dedicated his life to family, community service, and professional endeavors. His legacy includes contributions to youth sports and educational organizations. A memorial service will take place on August 2, 2025, at Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Chapin.
Chapin, South Carolina – Eldred Winton “Whit” Cline Jr. Passes Away at 87
Eldred Winton “Whit” Cline Jr. passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 87 after a recent illness. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Power Cline, and their four children, Eldred Winton Cline III, Brian Power Cline, Jason Chappell Cline, and Amy Cline King.
Cline was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Eldred Winton Cline and Florence Tanner Cline. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside his parents and his sister, Wanda Cline Boylston. Following his graduation from Druid Hills High School, Cline pursued higher education at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where he graduated as a proud member of the Class of 1959.
After graduating, Cline joined the United States Marine Corps, serving four years of active duty with the Second Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He continued his military service in the Marine Corps Reserves for the next 16 years, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At the time of retirement in 1979, he served as the commanding officer of the Columbia Marine Corps reserves unit.
Cline married Mary Sandra Power in 1964 at Trinity Cathedral in Columbia, South Carolina. Together, they welcomed four children and later enjoyed the company of their seven grandchildren: Tanner Moore Cline, Baylee Cline Parker, Elizabeth Kalina Cline, Andrew Winton Cline, Lillie Lauren Cline, Chase Duval Cline, and Whitney King.
In his professional life, Cline worked as an independent contractor, representing LG Balfour Company and Taylor Publishing Company. He specialized in selling class rings, graduation supplies, and yearbooks to high schools across South Carolina. Known affectionately as “the Ring man,” Cline retired from this career in 2004.
Throughout his life, Cline remained active in church and community activities. He was a founding member of Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, where he served as junior warden. In the 1970s, he devoted his time to coaching Little League baseball in the Irmo area for four years and was a significant presence as president of the Chapin High School improvement council in 1984.
During their retirement, Whit and Sandi enjoyed almost ten years at Edisto Beach, where he worked part-time at The Plantation Club golf shop. The couple later returned to Chapin, building their home in 1977, which offered evenings spent on the porch overlooking Lake Murray.
A service celebrating Whit Cline’s life is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11 am at Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, located in Chapin, South Carolina. After the service, visitation will take place. Memorial contributions in honor of Cline may be made to Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church or The Citadel Foundation in Charleston, South Carolina.
Community Contributions
Cline’s involvement in the local community and his military service have left a significant impact on many. His dedication to youth sports, educational organizations, and the church highlights his commitment to fostering community spirit in South Carolina.
Service Details
- Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM
- Location: Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Chapin, SC
Memorial Contributions
- Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, Chapin, SC
- The Citadel Foundation, Charleston, SC
FAQ
What was Eldred Winton “Whit” Cline Jr.’s age at the time of passing?
Whit Cline Jr. passed away at the age of 87.
When is the service celebrating his life?
The service will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11 AM.
Where did Whit Cline serve in the military?
Whit Cline served in the United States Marine Corps, primarily at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
What contributions did he make to the community?
Cline was active in various community activities, including coaching Little League baseball and serving on the Chapin High School improvement council.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Eldred Winton “Whit” Cline Jr. |
| Age at Passing | 87 |
| Military Service | United States Marine Corps (Retired Lieutenant Colonel) |
| Marriage | Mary Sandra Power (1964) |
| Children | 4 |
| Grandchildren | 7 |
| Community Involvement | Coach, Chapin High School President, Founding Member of Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church |
| Service Date | August 2, 2025 |
| Contributions | Saint Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, The Citadel Foundation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Eldred Winton Cline Jr. Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Cola Daily: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Coming to Chapin
- Google Search: Chapin South Carolina
- Legacy: Polly Hart Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Involvement
- Oxygen: Jade Cline’s Parents Arrested
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Marine Corps
- Cola Daily: Local Athletes Make College Decisions
- Google News: Military Service Involvement
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
