George Cline's Obituary
George E. Cline, 75, of Belmont, NC, passed away peacefully on July 8, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Salisbury, NC, he attended Boyden High School before joining the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller in 1969. What followed was an extraordinary career defined by precision, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. Over the next 38 years, George served as an air traffic controller, supervisor, and staff manager in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Honolulu, Hawaii, earning a reputation for calm leadership and exceptional operational expertise.
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, George was specially appointed as the Federal Aviation Administration liaison to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) inside Cheyenne Mountain, where he helped safeguard the nation’s airspace during one of the most challenging periods in American aviation history.
While his accomplishments in air traffic control alone would have distinguished his career, George became best known throughout the aviation community for his pioneering work in airshow operations, serving for more than thirty years as Airboss and aviation operations leader at many of the world’s most respected aviation events, including Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida; EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin; and dozens of premier airshows throughout North America. His meticulous planning, unmatched operational knowledge, and unwavering focus on safety earned the confidence of pilots, performers, military leaders, organizers, and fellow aviation professionals alike.
George also revolutionized the use of mobile air traffic control towers, developing and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities that supported some of the nation’s most complex aviation operations. His expertise extended well beyond airshows to providing air traffic management at nationally recognized events, including the U.S. Olympics, the U.S. Open, the Masters Golf Tournament, the Kentucky Derby, and collegiate football operations for Clemson University and the University of Mississippi.
Widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on Federal Aviation Administration airshow regulations, temporary air traffic control tower operations, and Airboss procedures, George helped establish many of the operational standards that continue to guide the industry today.
His leadership extended through his service on the Board of Directors of the International Council of Air Shows and its Foundation, where he also served as an Academy instructor, educating and inspiring future generations of Airbosses and aviation professionals. Countless individuals credit George with helping shape their careers through his patient guidance, high standards, and unwavering belief that safety must always come first.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to aviation, George received numerous honors throughout his career, including the International Council of Air Shows’ highest honor, the Sword of Excellence, presented in 2024 in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to advancing aviation safety and professionalism. He concluded his remarkable career as Airboss for the Vidalia Onion Festival Airshow in April of this year, an event he presided over since 2003, marking the culmination of nearly sixty years devoted to protecting pilots, performers, spectators, and the aviation community he loved. And what can only be considered the highest honor, the Airport Authority at Daniel Field in Augusta, GA, where George and his controller team have managed the air operations at the Masters Golf Tournament for decades, has renamed and is rededicating its tower at KDNL to forever bear his name as the George E. Cline Tower.
Those who knew George will remember far more than his accomplishments. They will remember his quiet confidence, his steadfast integrity, his willingness to help anyone who sought his advice, and his ability to remain calm when others could not. His influence will continue to be felt every time an Airboss steps onto the flight line, every time a temporary control tower comes to life, and every time an aviation professional places safety above all else. For a man whose career spanned nearly six decades, he has left an enduring legacy that will continue to shape the airshow industry for generations to come.
Outside of the airshow world, George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He dearly loved the beaches of NC, where some of his happiest moments were spent surrounded by family. He cherished the simple pleasures of time spent together under the sun, with the sand beneath their feet and the rolling surf outside the doors of their vacation home in Ocean Isle Beach. Those treasured days created memories that will remain forever etched in the hearts of those who shared time with him there, especially his grandchildren, who had no choice but to endure the sounds of endless beach music the moment his car headed east, officially signaling that vacation had begun.
Never one to sit on the sidelines, George immersed himself in his son’s activities at Greensboro’s Northwest Guilford High School. From dance chaperone to president of the Booster Club, George devoted countless hours to supporting the football program—painting the field and the goal posts before game night, stocking the concession stand, and organizing fundraisers. On game nights, he became the “Voice of the Vikings,” bringing every play to life from the press box with his infectious enthusiasm and enduring pride in the team’s players.
George also forged enduring friendships over forty years during the time he and his family lived in Greensboro, NC, and called the Cardinal Country Club home. There he proudly served on the Board of Directors, where he devoted countless hours to planning club events, including being the Voice of the Cardinal Amateur Golf Tournament, a role perfectly suited to his warmth, enthusiasm, and unmistakable presence. Friendships formed during these years became lifelong bonds, as George’s jovial spirit, infectious sense of humor, and genuine interest in others galvanized many members there as brothers.
George was also a devoted and loyal friend who treasured the lifelong bonds he shared with his classmates from Salisbury’s Boyden High School (Class of 1969). He never missed an opportunity to reconnect at their quarterly luncheons or annual reunions, where he forever served as their master of ceremonies, storyteller, and ringleader of good-natured hijinks. His infectious wit, warm spirit, and genuine love for his classmates found him at the heart of every cherished gathering.
George Cline leaves behind a legacy measured not simply by the countless airshows he presided over, the aircraft he safely guided, or the indelible mark he left on that industry for more than fifty years. His true legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the friendships he kept, the laughter he inspired, and the unwavering love he gave to his family and friends. Whether standing atop an air traffic control tower, behind a microphone, on a football field, on a golf course, with his classmates, or with his toes in the sand surrounded by those he loved most, George had an extraordinary gift for making every place brighter and every gathering more memorable. Though his unmistakable voice has fallen silent, the echoes of his kindness, leadership, laughter, and love will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him, as his was truly a “Wonderful Life.”
George was preceded in death by his parents, George Elmer Cline, Sr., and Alease Cloer Cline. He is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Lori Lee Cline; his sons, Kevin Cline (wife Summer) of Gastonia and Brad Cline of Belmont; his grandchildren, Rhett, Rose, Drew, and Emma; and numerous extended family members and cherished friends. In addition to his family, George leaves behind a vast aviation family of fellow air traffic controllers, Airbosses, pilots, aviation professionals, and friends whose lives and careers were enriched by his mentorship, leadership, and friendship.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on July 28th at 1 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Belmont. NOTE: Because George believed life was too short for uncomfortable pants, and in keeping with the fact he was famous for wearing shorts 365 days of the year, family and friends are encouraged to wear shorts to all of the day’s events in celebration of a life well lived.
George never met a stranger and always enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. Following the service, we invite you to join us for a reception at Gaston Country Club as we share stories, memories, and celebrate the amazing man he was. To help us plan, please email [email protected] and let us know how many in your party will be attending.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the International Council of Airshows Foundation using this link, https://airshowfoundation.org/support/ and select the third option: "Donation in honor or memoriam of an individual.", or First Presbyterial Church of Belmont earmarked for the Build & Renew Capital Fund.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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