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Clarence Short Obituary
He was a native of Gaston County, son of the late Virge and Cora Short.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald B. Short.
He was an Army veteran, director of Singing Infantrymen/Director of Music Post Chapels at Ft. Benning, Ga. He also spent more than 40 years as part-time choir director serving churches in Pelzer, SC, Irondale, Alabama, Belmont, Cherryville, Mecklenburg County, Dallas, and Gastonia.
He was a Police Officer and Deputy Sheriff in Alabama; Police Officer in Gastonia; Investigator/Administrative Asst. for Frank P. Cook, Atty.; and Inves-tigator for Allen A. Baily, Atty.
He retired from State of North Carolina Public Defender Office of Mecklenburg County after 19 years as chief investigator, and member of NDIA (Na-tional Defender Investigator Association).
He received in 2002 the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, conferred by Governor Mike Easley. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church.
Survivors include wife, Janice B. Short of Gastonia; son, Stephen N. Short of Charlotte;
daughter, C. Joyce Smith of Belmont; son, James Paul Wright of Chiswick, London; grandson, Brandon Smith of Charlotte; granddaughters, Nicole Smith of Belmont; Ruby Wright of Chiswick, London; and brother, Gary W. Short, Lake Wylie, SC.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia, 700 S. New Hope Road. Funeral will be at 2 p.m.
The family would like to give a special thanks to neighbors, Brenda and Lamar Ashe.
The family requests that memorials be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 3415 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28056 or Union Presbyterian Church, Capital Building Fund, 5615 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28056.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the family of Mr. Short.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarence Short
Crystal Parker
May 26, 2017
I remember Clarence when he was the choir director at my church, Myrtle UMC. He was such a sweet man.
Rev. G.K. and Evelyn Andrews
December 7, 2012
To the Family of Clarence Short we wish to express our sincere condolences upon the passing of a dear friend from our college days at Central Wesleyan College (SWU)! We are deeply sorry to hear of his passing. Our pleasant memories of Clarence in our days of youth will always remain with us and our prayers and sympathy rest with his Family! Sincerely, G.K. and Evelyn Andrews
Frances Tomlin
December 6, 2012
Dear Janice: My heart was saddened when I learned of Clarence's death. He was indeed a friend and I will remember him with great fondness. Our days at college were a unique experience and he made them so much better. May you find peace in knowing he lived a life of Christian love and service and was loved by many. Frances Tomlin Lynchburg, VA
David Funderburk
December 6, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Clarence was a true friend and I will miss him greatly.
Elizabeth Kaufman
December 11, 2012
Mr. Short meant the world to me. He use to sing to me everytime I saw him.
December 10, 2012
Janice,
Clarence was a man of strong beliefs and dedicated to his duties. He worked tirelessly for the Association and its members. Clarence was a man of a wide range of experiences and always stood forth to assist anyone needing help. He could tell helpful stories and great jokes from his life's experiences. I am one that will miss him and his presence. My prayers are with you and your family in this time of mourning and adjustment.
Tommy
December 10, 2012
Whenever anyone needed help, Clarence was there. He not only did good work, he could tell a story and a joke too. His care and concern for his family and his friends at the NDIA are a great source of not only pride but showed his leadership, care, concern, and dedication to the principles that all of us believed in. I'm going to miss you old friend. My deepest sympathies to Janice as she goes through this period of difficulty, mourning, and adjustment.
Tommy
December 10, 2012
Janice,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this sad time. Clarence was not only a pillar of the NDIA, but the backbone of the Membership Committee. He was a good friend I will truly miss.
Beverly Davidson
December 7, 2012
Gary, I'm sorry to hear about your brother. God's peace be with you.
Rebecca Brooks
CMS
Bill Smith
December 7, 2012
Janice,
Sandra and I will be remembering you in our prayers. Clarence will be remembered for his tireless efforts on behalf of the NDIA. He was a perfect example of of the true southern gentleman.
John Townley
December 7, 2012
Janice, I am sorry for your loss. Clarence was a beacon of light to all his NDIA colleagues. While he will be sorely missed, his example will be with us always.
Patti Carson McClain
December 6, 2012
Janice, Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. I know this is a very sad time for each of you but know that Clarence is with Jesus now. You all will see him again one day. Hugs.
December 6, 2012
janice, i am sorry for the loss. i am thinking of you and your family and praying for all of you. with love glenda rowland (dr. swilling's office)
catherine el-khouri
December 6, 2012
Janice-- your family at the Public Defenders's Office is heartbroken. We have lost a legend and a dear dear soul. I feel very blessed to have known him and will cherish the many "out fo the blue" phone calls I received "just to say hi". God Bless--
Cat
Pastor Roger Parsons
December 6, 2012
The church family of Firestone Wesleyan Church is grateful for the life and service of Clarence Short. Our prayers are with his family
Cheryl Caldwekk Hartsell
December 6, 2012
Janice, I am so sorry. I hope your many fond memories of the past will bring you peace and comfort. You will see Clarence again and when you do he will be seeing and walking again in Heaven.
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