He was born March 27, 1971 at United States Munson Army Hospital, Fort Leavenworth, KS, to the late Colonel Earl DeGrey Short, Jr, M.D., and Martha Rossiter Short. At just barely the age of 1, he became a transplant Texan, when his family moved to San Antonio, Texas. There, he acquired the nickname “the Rock”, won his grade school bike rodeo, and became a die-hard Dallas Cowboys football fan. Upon moving with his family 8 years later to Charlotte, NC in 1980, Billy fervently jumped into his new Southern life, and his NC/SC destiny, that had been patiently waiting for him. By that means, he made countless lifetime friends, lived a life in the “spirit of freedom” and pushed for rights, such as government conservatism and free market capitalism. Merging his free spirit, with his strong morals and concern for the safety and welfare of others, he would fly down the road in his moped, and later his red Mustang GT, pushing the limits, notoriously earning his next nickname “Bronco Billy”. He followed all NC sports, and became a proud Personal Seat License (PSL) original owner of 2 Carolina Panther tickets with his dad, where his name was inscribed and remains on the wall of the Panther monument outside the then, Ericsson Stadium. A graduate of Myers Park High School in 1989, he continued his studies by joining the United States Marine Corps, completing his training at Parris Island, South Carolina, as part of platoon 1021 C Company. Thereafter, Billy drove his Mustang GT across country from NC to 29 Palms CA to report for duty.
In the Marines, Billy took the position of Communications and Security Specialist, and received training in the use of cryptographic equipment, as well as leadership. When Iraq invaded Kuwait in August of 1990, Billy’s Marine Unit was dispatched to Saudi Arabia, where they arrived in 110-degree heat, and engaged in active combat in the Gulf War, including Operation Desert Shield and Storm. His troop was involved in securing the Iraq airport during battle. In wartime, as a Lance Corporal, he scouted for enemy artillery and radioed warnings to troops in a tense and hostile environment. His group was recognized with the Navy Commendation medal. After a brief return home to NC, Billy was once again deployed and assigned to Mogadishu Somalia, where he was also engaged in communication efforts amongst troops. In this role, he was personally decorated and recognized for outstanding leadership. Completing his U.S. Marine duties in 1994, Billy was Honorably Discharged as Lance Corporal, with 11 awards earned.
Billy next enrolled at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was named to the Dean’s List, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1997. Always passionate and ahead of his time, Billy was an entrepreneur, beginning with his pre-Amazon business that involved opening a 3-tier internet site: Universal Shopping.com, Shopping for Christmas.com, and Tailgate Town.com. He and his staff shipped items ordered on his website, from his warehouse in Charlotte, all over the country. He was especially proud for shipping an enormity of American flags to consumers directly after 9/11. Billy later acquired his Real Estate Broker’s license and opened his business, First University Properties. Subsequently, he obtained his Insurance Broker’s license. Throughout his entrepreneurship, he maintained his love for finance, by daily watching the U.S. stock exchange, and trading. Most recently, he was interested in Artificial Intelligence, and taking courses to advance his knowledge in that area.
Above all else, Billy’s children, Anna DeGrey Short, and William Radcliffe Short, both born in Charleston, SC, were his pride and joy. Always a true American Patriot, Billy proudly flew his American Flag at his and his children’s beach home in Isle of Palms, SC, where he enjoyed entertaining family and friends.
Billy was a Life Member of the Marine Corps Association; Plank Owner at the United States Navy Memorial Foundation; Life Member of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation; Life Member of National Association for Uniformed Services; Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, a Legionnaire with the American Legion Department of North Carolina, and a Life Member of the General Alumni Association at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
He was preceded in death by his esteemed brother, Philip Alexander Short, and his beloved father, Earl DeGrey Short, Jr. Billy is survived by his loving children, Anna DeGrey Short and William Radcliff Short of Charleston, SC; his mother, Martha Rossiter Short; brother Earl DeGrey Short III; sister Cate Short Frederick; nephews Jonathan Alexander Frederick, and Benjamin Brinkley Frederick; best friend, David Richards; many loving cousins, uncles, and aunts; and countless friends from all areas of his life.
Billy will be remembered most for his honesty, loyalty and love he selflessly gave to his family and friends; making deep connections; helping others; deep love for his country, belief in peace; willingness to always stand up for what is right at any cost; generosity to all; integrity, humility, and kindness; fondness for planting and horticulture; fancy for Cadbury eggs, bean dip and Dr. Pepper; entrepreneurship; interest in politics; investing in the stock market; passion for winning; incredible spunk and boisterous spirit, and joy of sitting on the front porch listening to tunes, with a cold Dr Pepper or beverage in hand.
There is only one Billy Short. “Semper Fi”, “Woooo”, “Let’s Roll”! He will be forever dearly missed, and eternally in our hearts.
The family will accept family and friends on Saturday, June 1, 2024 for visitation from 12:00 to 12:45 at McEwen Funeral Home, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte North Carolina, with a service to follow in their Chapel at 1:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 5716 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28212.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Billy’s name to the Marine Corps Foundation, 1775 Semper Fidelis Way, Triangle, VA 22172. (Memory & Honor of William R Short); University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and the Charleston Horticultural Society.
“For those close, make sure all will stay in touch your whole life”. Love, Billy.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.
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