Arnold Short

Arnold Lee Short graduated to glory on Friday September 26 peacefully while at home in Oklahoma City at the age of 81. Arnold was born October 3rd, 1932 in Weatherford Oklahoma to mother Nora Ellen Short, and father Cecil Allen Short. His wife, Cecille Phillips Short, daughters Melinda Clonts and Lisa Carlile were at his side.

Arnold was a well known Oklahoma athlete, name 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 Ft 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 US 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 US 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 & Women’s Tennis, and served 5 years as the Athletic Director for Oklahoma City University. His Tennis teams were typically ranked in the NCAA top 25. He liked 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 5 Grandchildren, Brittany, Lauren, Reese Carlile along with Alexis and Davey Clonts and 3 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 1:00pm, Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Oklahoma City.