Robert Shortridge

Robert Shortridge, age 78, of Abingdon Virginia, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024. Born December 22, 1945, he was the son of the late Ernest and Watie Shortridge.
He married the love of his life, Mildred Thomas, on July 1, 1967, and they were together until his passing on their anniversary with her by his side. He attended Spoon Gap Freewill Baptist Church and retired from Island Creek VP1 after 28 years.
In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his siblings, Emory Shortridge, Opal Rowe, Geneva Sheperd, Mike Shortridge, Harley Shortridge and Harold Shortridge.
Survivors include his loving wife, Mildred Shortridge; daughter, Jalena Wilson and husband Randall of Abingdon; granddaughter, Kaleigh Barnard and husband Brent of Louisville, Ky.; grandson, Kaleb Wilson of Abingdon; great grandchildren, Bryson and Alayna Barnard; siblings, Don Shortridge, Deane Harris and Ralph Shortridge and wife Sue, all of Rowe, Va.; sisters-in-law Shirley Shortridge and Sandy Shortridge; several nieces and nephews, his McDonald's "gang"; and special friend, Carolyn Keessee.
Special thanks to the Abingdon Cancer Center, who were like family, and to Carolyn Kessee for all of her help.
Pallbearers will be Jack Taylor, Daniel Hoss, Donald Barton, Kaleb Taylor, Michael Murray, Don Duty, and Kyle Duty.
Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews and Sam Belue, Tommy Litton, George Gobble, and Blaine Thompson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2024, in the Owens Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Herbert Bailey officiating and UMWA honors conducted by the Subdistrict 28 UMWA Chaplain Corps. Interment will follow at Ketron Memorial Gardens in Lebanon.
The family will receive friends on Friday after 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Share condolences with the family at www.owensfuneralservice.com.
Owens Funeral Service, 7 Tate Ave., Lebanon, Va., is in charge of arrangements.