Obituary - Robert Edward Short Jr.

Robert Edward Short Jr., 61, of Henrico County, Virginia, passed away on September 25, 2026. Born on July 14, 1965, Robert lived a life filled with family, friendships, faith, hard work, laughter, and a love for the game of baseball.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert Edward Short Sr., and his beloved grandparents, David and Mazie Parrish, who held a very special place in his heart and in his life.

He is survived by his loving mother, Jeanne Parrish Tate; his five children, Robert Short III and his wife, Brooke, David Short and his wife, Jacquelyn, Sarah Short Krupp and her husband, Alex, Abigail Short, and Thomas Short; and his beloved grandchildren, Robby, Chester, Lucy, Preston, and Atlas. He is also survived by his longtime loving companion, Linda Bennett Richard.

Robert is survived by his sister, Temple Short Womack, and her husband, James, and their children, Jordan, Morgan, and Daniel. He also leaves behind his special aunts, Suzanne Parrish Bulifant and her husband, Henry; Kathy Parrish Seebeck and her husband, Brian; Jane Parrish; and Emily Short Eady and her husband, Steve.

He will be deeply missed by his many loving cousins, in-laws, extended family members, childhood friends, longtime friends, coworkers, and colleagues. Among those special childhood friendships were John Grant, Rudy Faas, Kevin Stone, and Deborah Wallace Simmons, friendships that Robert cherished throughout his life.

Robert was born in Henrico County, Virginia, and graduated from Hermitage High School in 1983. During his high school years, he was a member of the baseball, tennis, cross-country, and golf teams. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1987.

Robert dedicated 42 years of his life to Costco, where he established many lasting friendships and connections. He was also a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur. In 2005, he established Robert Short Jr. Realty, where he served as owner and broker.

Robert loved spending time with his family and making memories on vacation. He especially enjoyed trips to Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, and Massanutten, returning to these places throughout the years.

A lifelong baseball fan both on and off the field, Robert especially loved the Cincinnati Reds. His love for baseball began as a child, when he played at Lakeside Little League during the long summer days of the 1970s. His childhood friend Billy Griffin, remembers Robert as a talented shortstop who brought something special to the game:

“Robert was as fine a player as I remember, and had the greatest sense of humor about the sport. He put a lot of ‘play’ into playing baseball, and I’ve never forgotten it.”

That spirit followed Robert throughout his life. He brought a sparkle of merriment to every gathering. Ever openhearted, optimistic, and brimming with good cheer, his zest for life shone brightly through the many things he enjoyed. Among them, he had a passion for music and loved singing together and dancing to AC/DC with Linda. He was the kind of son, dad, uncle, brother, and friend who showed up. Whether it was a baseball game, sporting event, school activity, birthday party, or simply something important to someone he loved, Robert could be counted on to be there. He loved and supported his parents, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, family, and friends wholeheartedly.

Robert was also a man of faith. He was a Christian who loved the Lord, and his faith was an important part of who he was. His family finds comfort knowing that he is now at peace with his Lord and Savior.

Robert leaves behind a lifetime of memories and countless people whose lives were touched by his love, humor, friendship, generosity, and unwavering support. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 4, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street, Glen Allen, VA.

A funeral service will be held Monday, October 5, at 1:00 p.m. at Staples Mill Road Baptist Church, 10101 Staples Mill Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060. The service will be followed by a procession to Washington Memorial Park.