Obituary of Waylan Short

Harold “Waylan” Short, 86, of Winter Haven, FL passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Winter Haven Hospital.

Born June 19, 1936, in Nauvoo, AL to Drewery and Nell Rhoden Short, he moved to Winter Haven in 1942.  He met the love of his life, Helen, at the Roller-Skating Rink.  Helen was attracted to him and said, “He knew how to walk a pair of skates.”  After graduating from Winter Haven High School in 1953, he went on to work as a Millwright Mechanic for Crown Cork and Seal in Bartow until his retirement.

Waylan enjoyed traveling across the United States in their RV.  He loved spending time on the water fishing and skiing and was a devoted fan of NASCAR and the Alabama Crimson Tide.  Most importantly, he was a devoted family man who loved supporting his kids and grandkids in everything they did.

Waylan attended Heartland Church in Winter Haven. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife of 66 years, Helen; a son, Scott Short and his wife Kim of Winter Haven; a daughter, Sherry Bayless of The Villages, FL; three grandchildren, Lindsey (Michael) Thorsen, Justin (Kayla) Short, Brett Linamen and fiancée Lindsay Carl; and one great grandchild, Hudson Scott Short.

The family will receive friends on Friday August 19^th beginning at 3:00 pm, at Heartland Church in Winter Haven.  A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 4:00 pm.  An open house reception will be held at Scott and Kim Short’s home.  The family would like to give a special thank you to Winter Haven Hospital for their care, and memorial donations may be made in his name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.  Condolences may be made at www.oakridgefuneralcare.com