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Oklahoma City University

FUNERAL HOME

Chapel Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

8701 Northwest Expressway

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

ARNOLD SHORT Obituary

Oct 3, 1932 - Sept 26, 2014 OKLAHOMA CITY Arnold Lee Short graduated to glory Friday, September 26, peacefully, while at home in Oklahoma City, at the age of 81. His wife, Cecille Phillips Short; and daughters, Melinda Clonts and Lisa Carlile; were at his side. Arnold was born October 3, 1932, in Weatherford, Oklahoma, to mother, Nora Ellen Short, and father, Cecil Allen Short. Arnold was a well-known Oklahoma athlete, named by The Oklahoman as one of the top 100 athletes in Oklahoma history. He was a three-sport athlete at Oklahoma City University, where he played basketball, tennis and baseball. Excelling in basketball, he was selected as an NCAA All-American his senior year in 1954. He became the 13th overall draft pick by the Fort Wayne (Detroit) Pistons. However, the 6'3" guard opted to play in the AAU Industrial League for the Phillips 66ers. With the 66ers, he was again selected as an AAU All-American and twice voted First Team All-Star. He made the 1956 U.S. Olympic Basketball Team but unfortunately became injured before leaving for Australia and his roster spot had to be replaced. He did get to travel with the team and take his mother along, which was one of his best memories in athletics. He completed a short stint as an officer in the U.S. Army, where he played for the Army baseball and basketball teams, twice being named All-Army in the latter. In 2001, he was selected to enter the Jim Thorpe Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. After basketball, Arnold went on to coach men's basketball, men's and women's tennis, and served five years as the Athletic Director for Oklahoma City University. His tennis teams were typically ranked in the NCAA top 25. He like to enter USTA tournaments with his players. He was a multiple-USTA Oklahoma District State Champion and in 2010, selected to the USTA Oklahoma District Tennis Hall of Fame. His greatest joy came later in life, serving his Lord and Savior as an ordained pastor in the Methodist church. He served 15 before retiring in 1998. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Cecille; daughters, Lisa (Jerry) Carlile and Melinda (Allen) Clonts. He has five grandchildren, Brittany, Lauren, Reese Carlile, along with Alexis and Davey Clonts; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Oklahoma City.

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Published by Oklahoman on Sep. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for ARNOLD SHORT

30 Entries

September 30, 2014

Arnold was a fellow pastor and a most spiritual man. I asked him once to speak at the Midwest City basketball awards assembly when I was on the basketball booster association. He inspired the athletes with his message and his All American status. I shall always appreciate him for being athletic director at OCU when it played in NCAA sports. He also let me preach for him at Ridgecrest when I was Associate director at TEEM - I was grateful for him being so gracious. He will be missed. Richard Cato

Dianna Matli

September 30, 2014

Arnold and Cecille have prayed for me more hours any one person can count. They love me as one of their very own. The spiritual lessons both of you have taught me changed my life forever. I love you dearly!!

Allen Bryan

September 30, 2014

I am 75 now, and like many other OKC kids I was a great fan of Arnold when he played at OCU. I had the good fortune to see him play many times in person, especially at the All College tournament with many other great players such as Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. I didn't know Arnold personally. but I always admired everything about him. He was not only a great basketball player, but a great person.

steve bailey

September 30, 2014

Arnold was a hero and inspiration for me while I was growing up. I have fond memories of playing tennis together which I will never forget.

September 30, 2014

Arnie, was my first hero, in 1954, when I was 12, my brother Wayne and I got to see him hit that great fall away jumper from the corner, no one could guard him on that shot. later when Wayne and I became State Champions in Tennis, we were able to enjoy Arnold's friendship though tennis. We kept that friendship going for over 50 years. I enjoyed playing doubles with him at Quail Creek C.C.
at least once a year when I visited OKC. He was a great person and will be missed. Farewell my Friend.
Jerry Hirst

Garland Nix

September 30, 2014

I knew Arnold all his life & admired this talented athlete of Faith & appreciated his kind & gentle nature with people. When I moved to OKC from Weatherford, I worked at Latham's Men's Wear & got to have Arnold as a customer. Abe Lemmons, Arnold's Coach at OCU, also became my customer. One day I asked Abe, "Who's the greatest basketball player you ever coached?" Abe replied, "Oh, Garland, I've had so many great & special ones... That's tough, but if I had to say ONE... It would be ARNOLD SHORT!" I told him I definitely agreed with him!!! Thoughts & prayers with Arnold's family. We plan to be at Arnold's funeral to pay our respects!

Logan Alley

September 29, 2014

Arnold was my pastor thru most of my childhood and he was a father figure to me thru church,cub scouts and my walk with God. Arnold you will be solely missed but there is no sorrow where you have gone, Arnold we will meet again.
"What shall we say about these wonderful things? If God is for us who can ever be against us?" Romans 8:31
Logan Alley-Grandson of Travis D Mullins Bethany, OK

David High

September 29, 2014

The world is a much better place because of the life of Arnold Short. He was a special gift to all of us fortunate enough to have known him. With all the special gifts bestowed on Arnold by his creator, his humility never waivered. He was a truly wonderful person.

Buddy Walker

September 29, 2014

I cannot think of anyone thatI have known through tennis that was a kinder person or better role model than Arnold. Extremely talented and had such a good impact on so many lives.

Paul Nail

September 29, 2014

Arnold taught a schoolmate and me to play tennis in Weatherford back in the 1960s. He was always giving us little tips and drills to improve our games. He always encouraged us. He urged us to work hard to become better athletes if we wanted to become serious tennis players. That schoolmate was Steve Bailey, who became a three-time Oklahoma State High School Champion and a Big Eight Champion at Oklahoma State. Weatherford High School won two state tennis team championships in 1969 and 1970 largely because of Arnold's influence. I could never play on Steve's level, nor Steve on Arnold's, but Steve and I have many fond memories of playing doubles with Arnold and Steve's dad, Bob Bailey, during our formative years in the 1960s. Arnold was always positive and always an encourager, both on and off the court. He loved being out in the fresh air and sunshine and engaging his God-given talents on the tennis and basketball courts. He enjoyed life like few people I have known. I can see now that a lot of Arnold's qualities were a direct product of his religious faith. I cannot imagine a finer gentleman and a more humble talent, generous friend, and positive role model than Arnold Short. I am one among many that was touched and blessed by his goodness and greatness. Paul R. Nail, Conway, Arkansas

Paula Joseph-Johnson

September 29, 2014

Arnold was my tennis instructor, my professor and coach at OCU, and my employer at the OKC Tennis Center. I never heard an unkind word from him and what I learned guides the way I coach tennis today. He was an amazing role model and I think of him often. Many blessings to his family

Gary Trost

September 29, 2014

Here is a true Gentlemen and Role Model. His athletic accomplishments dwarf the influences that he had on so many people. Thanks Coach for taking a chance on me and changing my life !

Steve Wedderburn

September 29, 2014

Arnold was my tennis coach at OCU, He was like a father to me for the 4 years I was there, he was someone I will always hold dear to my heaart. I have told my children that when I became an adult I could only wish to be half the man that Arnold was. Arnold you may be gone but never forgotten. Thanks for being my coach and friend. I love you

Dorothy (Latham) Davis

September 29, 2014

I never personally knew Arnold Short, but when I attended OCU in 1952-54, he was my idol! We all were blessed to have had such a fine person in our midst.

September 28, 2014

Always my favorite uncle, like a father to me. He always watched out for me. Taught me and 2 of my children how to play tennis at the same time. Always there for me. As a grown person he trusted me about many medical questions. He was always respectful and gentle and loving to everyone he met. What a great ambassador for the Lord. He will be greatly missed. Sherry Kappel-Sakoski and Denis Sakoski

Mike Moon

September 28, 2014

Arnold was the Gentle Giant. Everything he put his mind and heart into he excelled at. He was a wonderful example as a Father, Grandfather,Pastor, Coach and Man of God. I feel privileged to have known him. My prayers go out to of his wife,daughters,grandchildren and great grandchildren.

September 28, 2014

Arnold and I served in the Army together at Ft. Chaffee,Ark. We
won the ping pong tournament at Ft. Chaffee an played in the all Army tournament in San Antonio, Tex. He was a great person.

Frank Galen Palmer, Independence, Ks

Paul Lockwood

September 28, 2014

I am honored to have met and known Arnold Short. I met him through the game of tennis and he was a great role model for me. Arnold was a fierce competitor on the tennis court and one of the kindest gentlemen I have ever met off the court. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Sincerely, Paul Lockwood

George E Robertson

September 28, 2014

Arnold and I attended Cottonwood country school,3 miles N.of Wford,one room,one teacher,30 students,one big stove. We "cyphered" against each other,he won,sometimes I would win.We played basketball on a dirt court where the "goatheads" would puncture the ball. I vaguely remember his brother. Eddie, who shattered his leg on the "teeter Totter" at Cottonwood.Arnold was of high character-also competitive. [email protected]

September 28, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you Cele and family.
Most sincerely,
Priscilla Bray, Tulsa, Ok

September 28, 2014

A wonderful friend and classmate from our schooldays in Weatherford. Arnold was always first class in everything he did. He will be greatly missed. Arnold Ayres, OKC.

September 28, 2014

Mr. Short taught my girlfriend and me to play tennis when we were in our 20's. It was through a recreation group. My friend tried to return a ball and hit an empty Coke can on the side of the court; it bounced and flipped over the fence into the next court and hit someone sitting on the bench on the top of her head. I thought we were going to have to call for help for Mr. Short. He laughed so hard, we had to call off that day's lesson. I know he hated to see the two of us coming. We were his worst nightmare. He was so kind, patient and good to us. We considered him family and looked forward to our lessons. Margaret Barringer

September 28, 2014

Arnold was a fine man. My sympathies to his family. Herb Giles, Portland, Or.

September 28, 2014

We Love You!!!!

September 28, 2014

He was such a special person as well as a wonderful Pastor. He was missed when he left Turley and will be missed until we meet again in eternity. God bless Cele and the family in this great loss. Bill & Vickie Crossman & Melanie and Verlon Lewis

Anna Guest

September 28, 2014

Arnold was my very first pastor at Ridgecrest UMC and he also did my Confirmation and baptism. I will always treasure the memories with him growing up. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have known about present day Cornerstone UMC!

Vernon Avard

September 28, 2014

Coach Scott Ousley took a group of us players from the Mountain Park HS team to see Arnold play at OCU in 1953 or 54 and we were all impressed with his ability. Although I never knew him, I never forgot him Sympathy to all his family, I'm sure he will be greatly missed.

James Green

September 28, 2014

I was a follower of his at OCU where I was a student as well. He was well liked and will be missed. God Bless His Family.

Joey Pedigo

September 27, 2014

My sympathy is with you all as you go through this time of grief at your loss. Arnold always had a kind word when he greeted folks, I appreciated his love and devotion to the Lord. I have missed seeing him these last months at church.

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