Billy Ray Short Sr.

Billy R. Short, Sr., 87, Beckley, passed from this life on Monday, April 10, 2017. Born December 29, 1929 to the late Frank and Mary Warden Shortt, he was the oldest of seven children. Billy was preceded in death by his loving wife Clarice in 2013, and children, Drema Bowman and Billy Short, Jr.

Billy was a United States Army Veteran and a member of the UMWA. As a young man, he drove a school bus for Raleigh County in the Stoco area while also working in the coal industry. He was a man who had a strong work ethic, a big heart, and a willingness to go the extra mile. In his younger days, he could be seen at the race track in Prosperity giving that No. 289 orange Mustang all its worth. Billy was a hero - not just to his family, but also to the man he pulled from a car that had landed in a creek. God puts people in the right place at the right time.

Billy loved fishing and took many trips to Canada, to land the big one. He was successful at fishing, hunting and providing for his family, but most importantly, he was a success of a life well lived. He was a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and attended Packs Branch Baptist Church before his health failed him.

Billy never met a stranger. He was liked by all who were blessed to have known him. In his later years, he liked to pick around in his yard, watch Pirates baseball, and take naps with his furry best friend, “Buddy Jack”.

Those left to cherish his wonderful memory are his children, Mary Canaday (Ed Tigert), Victor Short (Liz Harvey), and Jacqueline Short; grandchildren, Thomas Norris, Jr. (Stephanie), Rhonda Kirby, Antonio Rivera, Daniel Canaday (Miranda Bolen), Sarah Canaday, Holly Short, Nona Short, Victoria Short, Phillip Short, and Amy Short; great-grandchildren, Kristen Slone (Chris), Thomas Norris III, Antonio Rivera, Gabriel Mashore, Brayden Mashore, Demi Jeffries, and Cody Akridge; one great-great-granddaughter, Lucy Slone; two sisters, Elizabeth Steele of Madison, WV and Margaret Milliken of Norman, OK; and a very special friend, Margaret Janney of Pax, WV.

The family will receive friends to share memories from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday, April 13, 2017 at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley. A Celebration of Billy’s Life will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2017 at 1:00PM with Pastor Samuel Vance officiating. A Graveside Service will immediately follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be men of Packs Branch Baptist Church. For those who prefer, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in memory of Billy to Raleigh County Humane Society, 325 Grey Flats Road, Beckley, WV 25801.

Online condolences may be shared at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com. Blue Ridge Funeral Home is honored to serve the Short Family.