Billy Pharis Short

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Nelma Short and his sister Betty Garbo of Benton, IL, and Nelma's siblings Richard, Charlie, and Jo Ann. He is also survived by his son Ken Short and wife Barbara Short of Hendersonville, TN, daughter Karen McCurdy and husband Steve McCurdy of Virginia Beach, 5 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, cherished nieces and nephews, and other family.

Bill was a baseball player in his youth who later became an avid fan of the game. His long career with Whirlpool Corporation took him and Nelma from their initial home in Evansville, IN to Birmingham, AL, Nashville, TN, Charlotte, NC, and to Richmond where he remained after retiring 31 years ago. He was a notorious raconteur and storyteller who was especially proud of the time he spent in recording studios with Eddy Arnold. He enjoyed his years of service with the Lions Club and valued the many friendships he and Nelma made over the years; most recently at their home at Dogwood Terrace, where his recent passion for butterflies garnered him the nickname “The Butterfly Man” and where he will be missed.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 8, 2015 from 2:00 - 2:45pm at Chamberlayne Heights UMC (6100 Chamberlayne Rd), where Bill and Nelma are members, followed by the funeral service at 3:00pm. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, an organization near and dear to Bill's heart.

The family would also like to thank St. Mary's for creating an environment of kindness and compassion, the CCU staff for providing attentive and loving care, and the many other employees at all levels of the organization who gave unflagging support to the family. An online guestbook is available at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com.