William Allison “W.A.” Cline III, a respected North Carolina educator, longtime football coach, and influential community leader, passed away peacefully at his home on November 3, 2026, following a short battle with cancer. He was 86.
Known affectionately as “Coach,” Cline spent decades shaping the lives of students and young athletes through teaching, mentorship, and athletics. His passing marks the loss of a familiar and highly respected figure in the Salisbury and Rowan County communities.
Born on November 11, 1939, to William Allison Cline II and Ethel Cruse Cline, he developed an early passion for sports. He attended Granite Quarry High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He later earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Appalachian State University, where he also played football.
W.A. Cline’s Coaching Career and Achievements
Cline began his teaching and coaching career at Brosville High School in Danville, Virginia, which later became Tunstall High School. He subsequently worked in the Rowan and Cabarrus County school systems, serving in several roles, including football coach, track coach, teacher, and athletic director.
His first tenure at East Rowan High School lasted from 1967 to 1975. During that period, he guided the Mustangs to multiple football conference championships. One of his greatest achievements came in 1969, when his team completed an undefeated 13-0 season and captured the WNCHSAA State Championship.
In 1971, Cline was selected to coach the North Carolina East-West All-Star Football Game. He also led three East Rowan track teams to North Piedmont Conference championships.
After coaching at Concord High School from 1976 to 1980 and teaching at West Rowan High School, he returned to East Rowan in 1987. He continued coaching football and track while teaching until 1995. He also served as athletic director and taught driver’s education for many years.
Throughout his career, he received five Rowan County Coach of the Year awards. In 2014, he was inducted into the Salisbury-Rowan Sports Hall of Fame. His contributions were further recognized in 2025 when East Rowan dedicated its football stadium in his honor.
Family, Survivors and Memorial Service
Beyond athletics, Cline was committed to serving his community. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and previously served on the church council and taught Sunday School at Wittenberg Lutheran Church. He also contributed to several local organizations, including Nazareth Child and Family Connection and Rowan Helping Ministries.
Family was especially important to him. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joyce Rusher Cline; three daughters, Kelly Cline Morrison, Anita Cline Honbarrier, and Leslie Cline Dinkin; and his foreign exchange daughter, Katrin Schloter-Quien.
His extended family includes seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, his brother Wayne Cline, sister Jane Cline Allen, and several other relatives. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Izzy.
A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 200 W. Innes Street in Salisbury, North Carolina. A reception will follow.
The family has expressed gratitude to Novant Health Hospice for its compassionate care during his illness.
Cline’s legacy will remain through the generations of students, athletes, and community members he inspired throughout his remarkable life.
