- December 4, 2025
Samuel E. Cline, 82, of Flagler Beach, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice House, surrounded by those who loved him most. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on January 12, 1943, Sam was the son of Tildon Samuel and Elise Snipes Cline. He grew up in Morganton, North Carolina, graduating from Morganton High School in 1962. Following graduation, Sam was selected for United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School and enrolled in Western Carolina, majoring in Geology. His career in heavy construction started with Blythe Brothers Company of Charlotte, North Carolina, where he quickly rose through the ranks becoming a respected Field Officer Manager, Foreman, and Superintendent. He later joined the globally renowned ITT, overseeing projects in Haiti and Egypt. This led him to relocate to Flagler County in 1979. After ITT’s dissolution, Sam founded Cline Construction in 1996, a testament to his work ethic, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit. Sam’s passions were as vast as the projects he worked on. He loved gardening, collecting rocks and building pathways. He was a lifelong Earnhardt racing fan and loved exploring new destinations such as China, Dubai, Portugal, Brazil and Costa Rica. In 2017 he hiked 300 miles of the Peace Walk with his companion Lisa through 5 European countries. A lover of card games, twilight golf, tailgating and key lime pie, Sam embodied his motto: “Work hard, play hard” with a well-earned Jameson with club soda. Sam’s zest for life matched his adoration for his family and friends. He is survived by his three daughters: Carla Cline (Barry McDonald), Celena Zimmerman (Joey), and Ciji Cline (Adam Sears); his former spouse, Diane Cline; and his beloved companion and dance partner, Lisa Edwards. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Kovin Brey, Penelope McDonald, Logan Zimmerman, Jake Sears, Claire Sears, and Lida Sears. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jean Guertin. A gathering to celebrate Sam’s life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, with a memorial service beginning at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sam’s name may be made to Flagler County Education Foundation, Flagler County Humane Society and the Stuart F Meyer Hospice House. To share condolences and memories, please visit www.craigflaglerpalms.com. Sam was a humanitarian, a mentor, and a man who truly lived life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
