Larry Dean Short, 72, left this broken world on May 21, 2026, finally at rest in his Savior's loving arms. A WV Mountaineer by birth (Logan County), he and his wife followed their children to NC, because wherever they were, was home.

Those left behind to grieve are: Vicky Chapman Short, the girl who stole his heart, and remained his loyal wife, lovingly caring for him until his earthly journey was complete.

His namesake and much loved son and precious daughter-in-love, Larry Lee Short and Tamra Short, of WV, can feel his presence if they stop and listen to the breeze singing through the WV mountains. Larry’s baby girl, Brandy Coleman, and his respected, loved son-by-choice, Russell Coleman, who will forever feel his presence in their SC living room where he stopped for a bit on his journey to heal.

Also feeling his absence, is Samuel Oldaker, nephew by birth, but always a son in Larry’s heart and his beautiful wife Virginia.

Zechariah Dean Martin (21), of SC, made Larry a Poppy on 8/04. He stepped in when Zeke was in need of a healthy male role model and helped raise another gentleman who is fiercely loyal and loving. Zeke was an anchor for both his Poppy and Mamaw, filling their world with little boy laughter and the greatest of love. Poppy always spoke of Zeke with pride in his eyes and no one was prouder the day Zeke fulfilled a dream and graduated from basic training-Army National Guard.

Another miracle from God’s hand arrived on 3/08, when Elliana Short (18) was born. The sunshine dulled in comparison to the light Ellie brought into her Poppy’s world, and no one was more beautiful to him than she. His pride grew with every passing year, as Ellie found her way in this world with a courageous spirit and a compassionate heart.

Larry will also be missed beyond words by other family members: Deborah Persun, his fiercely empathetic sister–in-love, and her bold husband Bob Persun; Duane Chapman, loved brother-in-law and support giver; Todd Chapman, the baby brother Larry’s wife carried around during their first years of marriage that prepared him to be a dad and his beautiful wife Phyllis. Larry will also be especially missed by his much loved big brother, Jerry Short; and his loved baby brother Bradley Short, sister-in-law Diane Short, and a host of other family members.

Preceding Larry in death were his parents Brad and Ruby Short; older sister Judy Whittaker; older brother Ronald Short; baby sister Sharon (Larry) Baisden, and younger brother Don Short, sister-in-law Ruthie Martin, brother-in-law Gregory Chapman, and a father figure for his brother-in-law, Dana Chapman, father-in-law, Samuel Chapman, beloved mother-in-law Ruth Chapman, sister-in-law Billie Short, and granddaughter, Jayda Ruth (Zeke’s sister).

Larry was a coal miner for 22 years in WV, spent a very short time as a landscaper, and worked in maintenance for the Presbyterian Home in High Point for about 11 years before retirement.

He loved to fish, hunt, and be out in nature. He was known for his quiet nature, his love for family, and always opening the doors of his and Vicky’s home for family in need of a place to land. His children and grandchildren will always remember him as the Dad and Poppy who was never too busy to eat mudpies, ride a four-wheeler, make stuffed animals dance and sing, turning over furniture for caves and sheets into forts, saying yes when everyone else said no, and for just being there, even when you didn’t see, with love and pride in his heart.

A special thank you to Cardinal Hospice and his nurse Angela, social worker Jennifer, and nurse Myrtha for the kindness and compassion shown to not only Larry and his family, but to his dear mother-in-law Ruth, who also recently passed in January blessed by their care.

Larry’s wishes were to be cremated and taken home to his favorite place, Summersville Lake, WV, where a private goodbye will be said by his children, grandchildren, and wife.