Willard "Bill" Cline

Willard M. “Bill” Cline, 95, of 1 Longfellow Ave, formerly of 16 East Main Street Bradford, passed away Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Bradford Ecumenical Home after a brief illness.

Born September 26, 1925, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Coral (Root) Cline Patterson. 

On April 27, 1974 in the First United Methodist Church of Bradford, he married Joyce (Schiefferle) Cline, who survives.

Bill attended Bradford High School until his enlistment in the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II where he served in the Pacific Theater. He achieved the rank of Boatswain 1st Class while serving aboard the destroyer tender USS Hamul. He was honorable discharged in 1946.

He returned to his hometown and began to fulfill his dream of having his own oil production company. He operated as a sole proprietor for over 60 years before incorporating the business in 2013. He remained president of Cline Oil Inc. until his death.

Bill was an advocate for the survival of small oil producers all his adult life. In his early years, he was influential in enacting several laws allowing drilling and oil production within the City of Bradford.

He served as president of Bradford District Pennsylvania Oil Producers Association and remained an active board member of its successor organization, the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association (POGAM). Later he served faithfully on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Independent Petroleum Producers (PIPP) for nearly 40 years.

Bill also served as chairman of the Bradford City Planning Commission and organized the Fifth Ward Taxpayers Association which successfully changed the final plans for the Route 219 bypass, saving the home on East Main Street where he lived most of his life. He was a proud supporter and contributor to the Republican Party as well as a Committeeman for 5th Ward.

He was instrumental in forming the original Petroleum Production Training Class at Bradford Area High School in the 1970’s and served on the committee that wrote the curriculum for the course.

In 2005 his company was awarded an Administrator’s Award for Excellence from the United States Small Business Administration. In 2008 he received a commendation from the Bradford City Fire Department.

In 2012 the Pennsylvania Independent Oil Producers recognized Bill and his wife Joyce for their many years of leadership. Bill was also a member of the Independent Petroleum Association of America and the National Stripper Well Association for many years.

In 2014 he received the Colonel Edwin L. Drake Legendary Oilman Award from the Petroleum History Institute. The award was the highlight of his career. It was presented to him by his dear friend, Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson.

Bill loved studying history, especially the Civil War, and was a frequent visitor to the Gettysburg Battlefield. He also loved western-themed movies, especially those starring his hero, John Wayne.

Bill and Joyce attended twenty-five consecutive reunions of the USS Hamul which were held all over the United States. They made many lifelong friends from that group.

Bill was an avid fan of the New York Giants until recent years. He was also loved by his many friends at “Recess” at Tim Hortons before the virus shutdown.

Bill is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joyce, three daughters Terri Anne (Donald) Schrubb of Bradford, Susan Cline-White of Fulton, NY, and Mary Jo (Edward) Szewczyk of Harborcreek, and two sons, Willard L. (Brenda) Cline and Mark L. (Rhonda Monroe) Cline, Sr., both of Bradford. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition, he is survived by his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Carol and Dr. David McDougall of Jacobus and Janice and Rolf Daeschner of Erie, with whom he was very close, along with 16 nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, one daughter, Cathy Jeanne Cline in 2011 and a sister-in-law Marlene Schiefferle in 1979.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service and dedication service of the new drilling rig in memory of Bill, on Sunday September 19, 2021, at 2:00pm at the Penn-Brad Oil Museum. Members of the United States Navy will provide Military Honors.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Rig Replacement Fund at the Penn Brad Oil Museum, PO Box 163, Bradford, PA 16701.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com.

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

My deepest sympathy to the family. Memories are forever
— Lynn Sowers Verratti

Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss and all your family''s loss! Bill was a great man. I want you to know how grateful I am for all your years of dedication to PIP. You are in my thoughts and prayers
— Gary L. Ball

Joyce , My heart felt sorrow at the loss of your husband. His was a good example of a life lived with a purpose.
— Max Miller

My condolences, Joyce, to you and yours. Bill’s devotion to the independent oil and gas industry was exemplary. He conducted himself with warmth and class toward all.
— Mike Blum

Joyce, My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I have always admired your loving partnership in life and business. Bill’s charming smile and sharp wit will be greatly missed.
— Linda Devlin

To the Clines, Bill was always a great friend and a great man. We spent a whole lot of time together over the years and worked together for the same goals. He and Dad were so close. We are sure Dad is pleased that Bill went to see him on his birthday.
— Pat & Tom Miller

Bill, Mark and the entire Cline family, so sorry to hear of Mr. Cline''s passing. Your entire family remains in my thoughts and prayers.
— Dave Ackerman

Mark , Billy and Susan I am sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was a great man and raised some wonderful children. My heart goes out to you.
— David (Buck) Thiele and Mary Ann

so sorry to hear of Bills passingwhat a great manand friend! he f ought the good fight and is fixing wells in Heaven
— Randy Larkin

To Joyce and family. So sorry for your loss. He was one of my favorites and will be missed greatly. Thinking him and uncle Dale are probably drilling new well already!! Great man. Great picture.
— Larry and Suzie Fox

Dear Joyce and Family: we''re so sorry to hear of Bill''s passing. Please accept our condolences.
— Richard & Diana Persing

Dear Joyce & Family, Bonnie, Brian & I were truly saddened to learn of Bill''s passing. Seeing you & Bill when we visited our parents was an enjoyable constant. My father-in-law, and fellow WW2 vet, Morrie thought of Bill along with my Dad as friends and brothers in arms. You will be forever in our hearts.
— Peter Miller

I was truly saddened this morning when I saw this notice this morning. My sincerest condolences to the Cline family on what is truly a great loss. To Bill and Mark, from the days of Youth baseball, your Dad was such a great supporter of our team and whenever I saw him many years later, he always remembered me and stopped to chat. God bless you all.
— Mike Bond

Terri, Joyce & Family We were so sorry to read of Bill''s passing. You have many years of memories & were lucky to have Bill with you for so long.
— Grant/CarolOrris

My sympathy to you and your family, Joyce. You have many rich memories to bring you comfort.
— Linda McFetridge

First of all my condolences to the Cline family, our community and state for that matter has lost an icon. I can remember the days of getting a scolding when as kids we were most likely not where we were permitted! While he may not have know me by face he knew me through my late father. I had the opportunity this summer to take my step son to the fireman tower, Oakhill, Mt.Rabbe, and I also explained to him as I saw the location of the musoleum. This man will forever be an icon of our community and even our children. Sorry for your loss.
— Kerry Roslinski

Dear Joyce and family, I have enjoyed having you and Bill as close as family for so long, seeing my Dad''s best friend often when I visited home. I cherish the memories of the visit of the four of you in Denver, so many years ago. I expect my other sibs will speak up with similar recollections. Bill will be missed.
— Mark Miller

Debbie & I were greatly saddened to hear of Bill''s passing. He was terrific person, who served his nation and very well represented the Pennsylvania oil and gas industry. Our prayers are with him and with Joyce and his family.
— Mike Miller

I was saddened to learn of your loss. I''m sure your family will be of a comfort to you
— Donald Lathrop

Sad day. Bill was a fabulous man who has definitely left his mark on every life he has touched. God bless you Joyce and family.
— Tom and Rebekah Pfeil

So sorry for the loss of your father, grandfather, family member and friend. He was a genuine man who always waved or spoke when you saw him. I’ll sure he’ll be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all lives he touched.
— Cindy & Steve

Bradford has lost a wonderful man. Always a pleasure to run into him and talk. My condolences to Joyce & Family. Thoughts & Prayers.
— Carl Milks

Bradford list a wonderful man, Joyce and family you are all in my prayers.
— Tom Leposa

Condolences

  • My deepest sympathy to the family. Memories are forever

    — Lynn Sowers Verratti
  • Joyce, I am so sorry for your loss and all your family''s loss! Bill was a great man. I want you to know how grateful I am for all your years of dedication to PIP. You are in my thoughts and prayers

    — Gary L. Ball
  • Joyce , My heart felt sorrow at the loss of your husband. His was a good example of a life lived with a purpose.

    — Max Miller
  • My condolences, Joyce, to you and yours. Bill’s devotion to the independent oil and gas industry was exemplary. He conducted himself with warmth and class toward all.

    — Mike Blum
  • Joyce, My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I have always admired your loving partnership in life and business. Bill’s charming smile and sharp wit will be greatly missed.

    — Linda Devlin