Cyrus William "Bill" Shortt

Cyrus William "Bill" Shortt, the dedicated Recreation Director for the County of Halifax and a member of Beth Car Baptist Church, passed away on April 24, 2026. Born on May 6, 1961, in Halifax County, Bill devoted his life to public service and to cultivating community through his passions.

Bill’s commitment to community well-being was exemplified through his work with Halifax County as Recreation Director, where he touched the lives of Halifax children through sports, coaching, after school programs, and careful attention to the parks. Beyond his role as Director, Bill was passionate about disc golf, and he loved hosting and attending tournaments with his close disc golf family.

Bill is survived by a loving family who remember him dearly. His nephews, Andrew Michael Shortt and wife Cassandra of Charlotte, NC and Matthew Wells Shortt and wife Bobbi Jo, also of Charlotte, NC; sister-in-law Kathy Shortt of Charlotte, NC. He also leaves behind his cousins: Mary Marshall Schirtzer (Ron) of Winter Park, FL, Marshall Slayton (Sandy) of South Boston, Sara S. Hodges (James) of Richmond, George Slayton (Kim) of Chester, VA, Robin S. Hinton (Russell) of Richmond, Kim S. White (Dave) of South Boston, and Angie S. Price (Troy) of Richmond, each of whom will remember Bill with great affection.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Cyrus Wade Shortt and Katherine Slayton "Kitty" Shortt, as well as his brother, Michael Wade Shortt and nephew Daniel Scott Shortt.

A memorial service honoring Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Beth Car Baptist Church, at 11:00 with the Rev. Thad Decker officiating. A reception and disc golf to follow at Edmunds Park at 1:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made in honor of Bill Short to the TCCAA Mentor Role Model Program.

For online donations, click here Donate and include MRMP in the memo line to ensure the gift is properly designated.

Donations may be made payable to Tri-County Community Action, with MRMP noted in the memo line, and mailed to: Tri-County Community Action Agency, 1176 Huell Matthews Highway, South Boston, VA 24592

Online condolences may be directed to www.powellfuneralinc.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1603 Wilborn Ave., South Boston, VA 24592.