Robert Allen Short

Robert Allen Short, lovingly known as “Bear,” age 75, of Oak Island, North Carolina, passed from this life on August 26, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. While his absence leaves an immeasurable ache in the hearts of those who loved him, his family finds great comfort in the promise of Scripture that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Bear was born on October 17, 1950, in Lawndale, North Carolina, to Cleavy and Pauline Short. He grew up in Vale, North Carolina, and graduated from West Lincoln High School. Bear spent his working years on the road as a professional truck driver, driving for Carolina Freight and later Arkansas Best Freight, known to many simply as ABF. Truck driving was more than a career for Bear; it became part of the stories, friendships, and memories he carried throughout his life.

Bear was a man with a strong presence and a beautiful heart. Outgoing, generous, loyal, and caring, he was the kind of person who truly would give someone the shirt off his back. He was a good friend, a kind neighbor, a devoted son, a wonderful father, a loving husband, a cherished brother, and, according to those fortunate enough to claim him, the world’s best brother-in-law.

He loved history, football, old cars, old movies, and just about every kind of music. He was an avid collector of vinyl records and could happily spend hours listening to music or talking about the songs and artists he loved. Bear also loved swapping truck-driving stories with his buddies, reminiscing about years on the road and the adventures that came with them.

Some of the happiest memories of Bear are the simplest ones; sitting on the beach with friends talking and laughing, putting on music and dancing with his children, watching football, celebrating holidays, telling stories, and being surrounded by the people he loved.

Family was at the center of Bear’s life. He gave tremendously of himself to the people he loved and was there through both the best and the most difficult seasons of their lives. He was the solid rock when someone needed strength, a strong shoulder when life became heavy, and the person who simply showed up when he was needed. He wanted the very best for his family and friends and demonstrated that love not merely in words, but through a lifetime of generosity, loyalty, and care.

Bear was also a devoted son who took wonderful care of his parents, and he carried that same sense of responsibility and devotion into his own family. Those who loved him knew that when Bear loved you, he loved you wholeheartedly.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Myra Faye Walker Short; his children, Rebecca Short Connell of Spencer, North Carolina, and Robert Ed Short of Spencer, North Carolina; his grandchildren, Angelica, David, Nicholas, Adam, and Evelyn Rose; and his great-grandchild, Simon.

He is also survived by his siblings, Joy Baxter of Cherryville, North Carolina; Darrell Short and his wife, Judy, of Vale, North Carolina; and Jeanette Boyles and her husband, Tommy, of Morehead City, North Carolina.

Bear was also deeply loved by his extended family, including his sister by marriage, Jane Daniel and her husband, Rick Wade; nephew Doug Daniel; brother by marriage Rodney Walker and his wife, Denise Altman; nieces Kathy Walker and her husband, Doug Ross, and Camille Walker; and great-nephew Walker Ross.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleavy and Pauline Short.

Bear was a Christian who grew up in the Methodist faith, and his family rests in the complete assurance that he is now in the presence of Jesus. Their grief is deep, but it is not without hope. They take comfort in the words of 2 Corinthians 5:8: “To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Even in death, Bear continued giving to others. During his lifetime, he made the decision to become an organ donor. Through that selfless choice, his lungs and liver will help give others the precious gift of life—a final expression of the generous heart that defined the way Bear lived.

Bear’s legacy will not be measured simply by the years he lived, but by the countless ways he showed up for others, the laughter and stories he shared, the family he loved fiercely, the friendships he treasured, and the lives that will continue because of his final gift.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., in the Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Cape Fear Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Cabarrus & uCity Women’s Centers, pro-life pregnancy resource centers serving women and families in Concord and Charlotte, North Carolina at https://friendsofcwc.com/

Bear will be deeply missed, profoundly loved, and forever remembered. For those who loved him, this is not goodbye forever. It is simply goodbye until we meet again.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.