Charlie Wayne Short, 83 of the Ruth Community near Arab passed away on June 2, 2023. Mr. Short was born on December 7, 1939, to R.C. and Atha Hyatt Short of Union Grove, AL. He and the former Brenda Gregory were married for 20 years.
Mr. Short was a strong Christian and a very active member of the Union Grove First Baptist Church. He loved the Lord and spent his lifetime witnessing to others through word, deed, and song.
Mr. Short graduated from Guntersville High School and afterward received a basketball scholarship where he studied at Young Harris Community College in Young Harris, GA. His career included stints with Thiokol, IBM, 3M, and the Charlie Short Construction Company. In addition, he built, owned, and operated the Long Branch Opry for many years which was a 650-seat capacity venue featuring bluegrass, gospel, and comedic acts. Mr. Short was a singer and member of several gospel quartets over the years including the Grace Quartet, the Disciples, the Long Branch Quartet, and the Long Branch Boys. He was a talented musician who played piano, guitar, fiddle, harmonica, and bass. He also loved the outdoors including hunting, fishing, and farming.
Mr. Short was a devoted family man who was loved by everybody who knew him. He is survived by a large and loving family including his wife: Brenda; sister Margaret Short Lee; son: Wade Short (Martha); daughters Kerry Short Mitchell (Steve), Jana Carr Weaver (Donnie), Connie Carr Nance (David), LeAndra Carr Martin (Craig), and Allison Kirk Knight (Daniel). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, R.C. and Atha Short.
Visitation will be held at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Short will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Union Grove First Baptist Church on Monday, June 5, 2023 . Funeral services will be held at the the church at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow.
in lieu of flowers please send donations to Shepherd’s Cove
