Bartow County

Metro Atlanta pastor ‘fighting for his life’ after contracting COVID-19

CARTERSVILLE, Ga — The wife of a Bartow county pastor, hospitalized with COVID-19, says that he is fighting for his life.

Bill Cline, who is also a Marine, is now on a ventilator at the Cartersville Medical Center. He entered the hospital Jan. 11 with symptoms of the virus.

“He just woke up on a Monday morning and said, ‘Hon, I have to go to the hospital,’” April Cline said.

The pastor and his wife had quarantined themselves at home after one of their sons tested positive for the virus.

Since he entered the hospital, the pastor has been in isolation. His wife visited him for the first time on Tuesday but could not get near him. She could only view him through a windowpane. On Wednesday, she hopes to visit with him in his room.

“He’s an amazing man. He’s kind, he’s compassionate, funny and he’s selfless,” April Cline said.

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Bill Cline is lead pastor at Kingston Baptist Church. He and his wife have been married nearly three decades.

A childhood friend says Bill Cline has always lived a life of service to his family and community. For him, it is difficult to see the pastor so sick.

“The doctors have been honest. It’s going to be a long recovery as far as getting him back,” David Ponder said.

Ponder created a GoFundMe me account to raise money to help the family cover medical bills not covered by insurance and living expenses.

“He’s like a brother to me. We just wanted to do something to help our dear friends weather this storm,” Ponder said.

The pastor’s wife said she appreciates the heartfelt support from the community.

“Pray for him. Please pray for him,” April Cline said.