Robert Louis SHORT

Robert Louis Short

Robert Louis Short, 82, of Lynchburg, died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009. He was the loving husband of Pearl Jeannette Fulks Short for 62 years.

Born April 21, 1926, in Lynchburg, Robert was the son of the late Virginia Flora Francis Short and Randolph Clyde Short.

In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by his children, Alice Short Arthur and her husband, Steve, a special education teacher in Bedford County; Ernest Randolph Short of Blairs, who is employed at Duke Hospital in Durham, N.C.; Warren Ray Short of Great Falls, S.C., a manufacturing sales representative; and Thomas Matthew Short and his wife, Jennifer, an associate pastor of Living Word Baptist Church, Lynchburg; and a daughter in-law, Cindy Short of Kingsport, Tenn. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by two children, Robert Louis Short Jr. and Rebecca Kay Short.

Louis proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the U.S. Navy Air Corps. For many years, he served as the treasurer and lay reader at St. Peters Church in Altavista. He also served on the executive board for the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. He served for many years on the Pittsylvania County School Board Selection Committee, in later years as chairman.

Louis loved the furniture industry and enjoyed his career at the Lane Company, retiring as treasurer at the end of 1990. His picture hangs in the Furniture Manufacturers Credit Association Hall of Fame in High Point, N.C., for his 20+ years of service as treasurer of its Board of Directors.

The second floor of the new Salvation Army building is dedicated to Louis's work at the Minnie and Bernard B. Lane Foundation. In 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Lane formed the foundation in dedication to helping to feed the hungry and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Louis joined them in this task and served as trustee and treasurer since that time.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today, Jan. 23, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009, in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home with Pastor Thomas Matthew Short officiating. Burial will follow in Presbyterian Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Virginia National Guard Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 2314, Lynchburg, VA 24505.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.