French Cline

French Cline, 89, of Gilbert, West Virginia, departed this life on January 14th, 2026, at Logan Regional Medical Center.  Born in Simon, WV on November 11, 1936.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ernestine Griffith-Cline, of sixty years, son Kelly Loren Cline, parents: Loren and Elsie Cline, and brothers: Rocky and Clifford Cline. 

French worked most of his career as automotive mechanic, alongside his son Tim.  Together they pioneered a small business: Cline Repair Service.  During his teen years, he worked in the logging industry for his dad and later the coal industry, where he also became an electrician and last worked for Coal Energy.  Being a jack-of-all trades, his many talents included constructing a five-bedroom home for his family during the 70s as he promised each of his four children their own bedrooms. 

French’s love for motorcycles started early in life, where he once rode Indian, Harley-Davidson, and Honda motorcycles.  He was the epitome of an ‘Old School’ biker, from the old kick start, suicide clutches, to modern day push button start and he was fascinated with all of them.  Whenever he rode, other motorcyclists joined the two-wheel cruises behind him, as it was never about the destination but the journey, the fun, the laughter, and the adventure.  He and his spouse created many memories riding throughout the mountainous terrains of West Virginia.  His last motorcycle, a 1992 Honda Goldwing was his most prized possession, where he logged numerous highway miles and expeditions.  “My favorite place to ride was to Elizabethtown, Kentucky,” he always said.  Years after he could no longer ride, his eyes lit up like stars when he spoke about his motorcycling adventures, even the mishaps. 

Those left to cherish his memories and talk about the good old days are his daughter, Sherry (Ted) Weir of Louisville, KY, Sons: Timothy (Rose) Cline of Gilbert, Danny Cline of Kopperston, WV, Sisters: Josephine Hawks of Gilbert and Doris Spencer of Amherstdale.  Brothers: Ed (Louise) Cline of Brenton, Jerry Cline of St. Albans, WV.  Grandchildren: Bo (Jessica) Phillips of Tamcliff, WV., Renae (Rusty) Justus of Hazel Green, KY, Daniel (Haley) Cline of Mt Hope, WV, and Joshua Cline of Kopperston, WV.  Great Grandchildren: Caston Blankenship of Hazel Green KY and AJ Phillips of Harts, WV., Devin Stanley of Charleston WV, Dylan and Donovon Stanley of Gilbert, and Maleigha Cline.  He leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends may gather with the family Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. in the chapel of Mounts Funeral Home where funeral services will commence at 12:00 p.m.  Entombment will follow at Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV.

French will be taken to his resting place by pallbearers Bo and A.J. Phillips, Donovon Stanley, Cash Blankenship, Devin and Dylan Stanley.

His wonderful smile and gentle heart will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to have known and loved him.

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