I flew with Gene in DC. We were on the same team and probably spent more time with each other, than we did our wives. My heart aches for his passing and for his family’s struggle as they learn to find their new normal, without him. Gene was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and one of the funniest. He could always make you smile, no matter how many hours your work day contained. 

One of my favorite memories was flying with Gene and watching him deflect nosy passenger inquiries. There was a time when passengers would play “Guess the Air Marshal” and if they thought they had you figured out, they would start asking you questions. 

We all had “cover” stories but Gene had deftly trumped us all. Using his slow, southern drawl, when a passenger asked Gene what he did for a living, he would look them deep in the eyes and say “I’m a minister, can we talk awhile?”  Instantly the nosy passenger would find something else to do and the questions would stop! We would later recount with great delight, the look on the face of his thwarted inquirers!

You’ll be missed forever Gene, and now you know the truth as to whether or not there is a Bigfoot :).  I thank God for knowing you and pray for the Short family. 

Gene was the kindess person one good ever know, an old soul full of wisdom.  I met Gene when we attended a  DHS academy.  To his family I am truly sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in my prayers.

Bill Younk

Gene was one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met. I first met Gene at the academy at DHS and from that day forward I was a better person for meeting him. He truly loved his family and friends. He will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace my friend. 

Gene was one of best I ever met! We met at DHS and have been friends ever since. I was shocked to hear the news as we recently were sending messages back and forth. He had asked for some patches and a coin. I got busy, but finally got around to getting them for him. I sent a message over to let him know I got them, but never got a response. He was always soft spoken, calm under pressure, and always respectful! I will truly miss this wonderful man! God bless you and my thoughts and prayers go to your family! 

I met Gene working for DHS. He was one of the nicest, most kind hearted people I’ve ever met! He sat next to me in our academy and with his southern twang accent, would say something goofy or in relation to something the instructor would say, and the few of us all sitting together would just laugh! He always had a way to make people laugh all while making it feel like you’ve known him for years. An incredible role model and friend!

Gene and I worked together in DC with DHS.  He was a good friend.  The world is a lesser place without you sir. God Bless.  

Like Kenny Sheets, I met Gene on my first day working for DHS. I will remember Gene for his kind and generous spirit.  His attitude was infectious and people were drawn to him. I will always remember this about him. Rest In Peace my brother in blue. 

Gene was one of the kindest people I have ever known. We met on our first day on the job with DHS and became friends right away.  He was very proud of his family and was just an all around good man.  Rest in peace Brother. 

Kay & Family, thank you for sharing Gene with us all these years. I know he would have excelled at any profession but it was easy to see policing was one of his passions. I enjoyed all of the times he showed up to back us in Alma, he definitely had a way of seeing good in situations and keeping things from getting out of control.  Rest assured the streets of gold are under careful watch these days.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" -Matthew 5:9

Brenda and Wilson, I am so sorry for your loss. Please let his wife and family know that a friend is praying for them.  Gene's faith is now made whole in sight, and we are left, but not forgotten. God's word promises that His grace is sufficient.  I don't understand how that is possible when your grief is so overwhelming, but I pray for the Lord to give you comfort.

Wilson, also praying for you and your wife in the loss of her father.



My memory goes back a few years.  Gene was president of RHS's National Honor Society, and I was the sponsor.  He fulfilled his duties very well, keeping appointments with me to prepare for our monthly meetings as well as the agenda the club usually followed.  Even then, he was an "ole soul"....one with ideas rooted in decency, truth, and honor.
He and Kay Johnson were already committed to each other even then.  His Mom, Brenda, was a valuable resource for the National Honor Society as well as for me. 
Working with students like Gene pleased me very much and  re-enforced my belief that the world would be okay with him in it.  
To Kay, Brenda, Wilson, and other family members, I'm sorry for your loss.  However, if I remember Gene correctly, you all will have wonderful memories to share.

You can't say enough nice things about Gene. He was such a great friend, excellent police officer, and a true gentlemen. I am a better person and police officer just for having known and worked with Gene. My sincerest condolences and prayers to his family and friends. 

Gene and I both trained in 1999 at the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy class 99-B. Gene was soft spoken but firm with the training scenarios. A few years later in 2001 I accepted a position with the Arkansas Highway Police class RTP-2. At Camp Robinson,where we trained, I heard "Hey buddy" and I immediately recognized him. This is how he addressed alot of us in passing at ALETA. My prayers go out to the family. He was a great man. I learned from alot from him. 

To my cousin,

My heart aches today and my eyes are filled with tears.   I will cherish all the fun we had as kids.  The road trips, 3 wheeler wrecks,  watching star trek, wrestling and eating ice until my Dad made us go to bed.   I love you Gene and I'm sorry that I didn't tell you that a long time ago.

God bless Kay, her children, my Aunt Brenda and my cousin Wilson.  

Farewell Brother.
A great man with a great legacy.
My deepest sympathies to Kay, the children and the rest of the family.

Gene was a great friend and co-worker . I have so many memories of our 18 years of friendship and working together. I will always cherish our memories. Praying for Kay, and kids. 

I knew Gene through school growing up in Russellville. Gene always had a smile and would befriend any and all. One of the nicest guys I’ve known.  It breaks my heart to know he is gone but I know the good Lord has taken him in with open arms. Prayers for Kay and the kids. 

Family Visitation

Funeral Service

Mr. Short is survived by his wife, Kay Short; one son, David Austin Short of Greenwood; one daughter, Brooke Nicole Short of Greenwood; his mother, Brenda Short of Russellville and one brother, Wilson Short of Russellville.

OBITUARY

Ruddy Gene Short, Jr.

October 26, 1968 – May 8, 2019

McConnell Funeral Home

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