Pierce Cline believed strongly in education, says his wife of 54 years, Margie Cline. (Photo by Bill Roa)

To Pierce Cline, ‘Education was the Bottom Line’

by Beverly James

When the call came that help was needed to open a Georgia Perimeter College campus in Newton County, Pierce Lovett Cline stepped right up.

“Pierce was the first person to agree to help us raise funds for the classroom technology, he was the first to personally make a gift, and he encouraged so many others to get involved and to give generously,” says Jeff Tarnowski, GPC vice president for Institutional Advancement. “And through the years, he was a frequent visitor to campus for programs, events or just to stay connected. I believe that his passion for us was because of the students he saw benefitting from the experience at GPC, both in the classroom and with one another.”

Cline, a community pillar and advocate, died at age 85 on Nov. 3, 2012.

The resident of Social Circle left a strong legacy of supporting education, and often was recognized for his contributions to educational institutions. Just days before his death, his alma mater, Oxford College, presented him a lifetime achievement award, the R. Carl Chandler Award.

Cline enjoys the daffodils in his back yard (left). A developer, Cline spent a lot of time at his drawing table (right). (Photos courtesy of the Cline family)

Cline gave generously to Oxford and the University of Georgia, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. But he also formed a special relationship with Georgia Perimeter College, and helped to secure the property for the new campus.

“In my last visit with him, just a few days before his death, we spent the majority of our time together talking about GPC—but not about the old days,” Tarnowski says. “He wanted to know what the future held for us. He was always quick with praise and to tell me how meaningful the college was. He was also not afraid to let me know where he thought we could improve. Pierce was extremely perceptive and listened much more than he spoke.”

The 2013 spring Daffodil Festival at GPC’s Newton Campus was dedicated to Cline, and plans are under way to build a garden in Cline’s memory. The Pierce Cline Memorial Garden will be located near the box gardens on campus and will include an outdoor classroom space.  The schedule calls for the garden to be completed by the 2014 Daffodil Festival.

Cline, a strong supporter and advocate of GPC Newton Campus, shares a moment at the March 2005 campus groundbreaking with Dr. Sallie Paschal. (Photo courtesy of the Cline family)

Newton County held a special place in Cline’s heart, according to his wife of 54 years, Margie Cline. He and his father raised cattle in Newton, and the land they owned eventually was purchased and divided by Interstate 20.

“Wal-Mart and others wanted to build shopping centers on the property, but Pierce and his father were adamant that the land would go toward helping the county in some way,” Margie Cline explains.   

The property, dotted with thousands of daffodils and several magnolia trees, is where the couple spent their first night as husband and wife, Margie Cline says. It was the perfect location for the new campus, she says.

 “It’s rural with plenty of space to enlarge,” Margie Cline says. “When I look over and see the lights on at the new athletic field, it gives me so much comfort. It just thrills me to know that where we once had cattle, we now have students walking those same pastures.”

 Among Cline’s other interests was Project Adventure, an education program for troubled teens. His real estate development company, Cline Properties and Development, is responsible for development of several neighborhoods in the area, including River Cove Meadows near Social Circle. Cline also loved outdoor adventures and hiked the Appalachian Trail, in sections, starting at age 60.

“Everything meaningful to him was intangible; he never did anything for recognition,” Margie Cline says “Pierce thought education was the bottom line, that you needed it for everything. Also, both our parents taught us that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive.”

An outdoorsman, Cline takes a rest on the Appalachian Trail. He began hiking sections of the trail at age 60. (Photos courtesy of the Cline family)