Elder Tracy James Cline

Tracy James Cline was born December 4, 1966, the youngest SON of Grover and Elvira Cline and youngest brother to his five older siblings. The family enjoyed camping and outdoor activities. If they were not outdoors, they were most likely in a pew at First Baptist Church of Romulus, MI. This is where he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and taught the ways of the Lord.

During his free time as a child, Tracy would help out in the family garden and deliver newspapers in the community. He attended Romulus Public Schools where he made lifelong friends, eventually graduating from Romulus High School in 1985 as a band member and athlete.

Though he excelled and enjoyed school band, it was his love for gospel music that kept his attention. The harmonizing sounds of the Cline children could be heard throughout Wahrman Road. It was these family sessions where Tracy honed his musical craft. Through the years with God's grace, Tracy became a multi-talented musician and singer, fostering gifts that he would use to glorify God throughout his life. He was very active in the body of Christ as a member of the S. L. Roberson Chorale at Metropolitan Baptist Church, a singer and drummer in New Progressive Missionary Baptist Church Choir and lending his talents to groups like Myron Cobbs and Eternal Life & New Song, Jonathan Walker and One In Christ, and many other local choirs.

It was through these musical connections that Tracy was introduced to the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, Sheri Smith. They were married in 1999. Sheri's quiet spirit was a perfect match to her husband and his larger than life personality. They made their home in Romulus, Michigan in the family home on Wahrman Road.

The couple joined Burning Bush International Ministries in 2003 under the leadership of Bishop Don W. Shelby Jr. and First Lady Bonita A. Shelby where Tracy was a faithful worker and employee of the church. Whatever needed to be done, he could be found doing it- from maintenance to Ministry. He was ordained as an Elder in the Church Of God In Christ in 2010 under Bishop John Henry Sheard. And of course, Tracy was a member of the award winning and anointed Burning Bush Ministries International Mass Choir.

His favorite scripture was Hebrews 11:1" Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Though he did not have any biological children, he was known to many as Uncle Tracy. His place in their lives transcended the typical uncle role, using his knowledge, humor, and love to help guide them in a way that made a lasting impression. He and Sheri opened their hearts and home to care for nieces Menika and Stevie. Their home was always open to welcome family.

As a football fan, he loved working at U of M for Parkrite Event Parking, cheering on University of Michigan. He was able to see his Lions play in the NFC Championship game in the 2024 season after years of disappointing losses.

He was a truck driver by trade, Tracy was also a skilled handyman and mechanic, learning from his father. He could fix and build anything. And if he didn't know how to do something, he would figure it out. He worked hard and with a spirit of excellence and determination until the day he went from labor to rest, March 29, 2024. Tracy James Cline was 57 years old.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Grover and Elvira Cline and leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Sheri; siblings Larry (Yvonne), Theresa, Darlene, Darren (Virginia), & Claudette; Godchildren DeShawn Clifton, Shayla Herndon, John Johnston Jr, Camrynn Gore, Toni Chadick. Patrice Myers, LaRoya Denton & Malaya Davis; close friends Charles "Chucky" Wilson, Glendon Dixon, Seymour Francis & Chris Johnson; and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Matthew 25:21 "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

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