Person Page - 7160

     David Eugene Austin was buried at Glade Creek Cemetery, Blue Ridge, Botetourt Co., Virginia.^1,2 His Social Security Number was 229-31-2492.⁴ He was born on May 30, 1966 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,4,5,6 He died on October 5, 1989 at Blue Ridge, Botetourt Co., Virginia, at age 23.^1,2,4,5,7 He A 23-year-old employee of General Shale Webster Inc. was killed about midnight Thursday in an accident at the Botetourt County plant, authorities said today. David Eugene Austin of Troutville was cleaning up the plant with a small front-end loader and apparently backed the loader under a conveyor belt that wasn't moving, said Jerry Caldwell, chief deputy of the Botetourt County Sheriff's Department. Austin was pinned between the two pieces of equipment and died at the scene, Caldwell said. on October 6, 1989.⁸ He David Eugene Austin, age 23, died Thursday. He is survived by his mother, Mary James Austin, Blue Ridge; father, Jerry Lee Austin, St. Paul; maternal grandmother, Virginia James, Salem; paternal grandmother, Mrs. John Austin, St. Paul; girlfriend, Heather Looney, Salem. Interment will follow in Glade Creek Cemetery. on October 8, 1989.¹

     Christopher Neil "Chris" Short Christopher Neil Short, 49, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 18, 2026. Chris lived a life defined by service, dedication, and deep love for his family, friends, and community. He spent his career serving others as a public safety officer at Catawba Hospital and dedicated decades of his life to the Upper Craig’s Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Craig County Volunteer Rescue Squad. His commitment to public safety and helping those in need left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Chris was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his two daughters, Alexis Elizabeth Labiosa (Jordan) and Melissa Ann Short, and his beloved grandchildren, Naomi Marie Labiosa and Silas Ray Short-Ferris. He is also survived by Elizabeth Renay Short, mother of his daughters. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Gary (Sue) Yearout, Kenneth (Kathy) Yearout, Richard (Anna Balog) Yearout, Ronald (Brenda) Yearout, and Carolyn (Roger) Horsley. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Ann Short and Walter Jerry Short, as well as his sister, Angela Dawn Short. Chris spent his life serving others and was known for his loyalty, humor, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life. He loved his friends dearly, including Trish Paitsel, whom he planned to marry. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Chris’s honor to the Craig County Volunteer Rescue Squad, an organization that reflects his lifelong commitment to service. Chris will be remembered for his selflessness, dedication to his community, and the love he gave so freely to those around him. He will be deeply missed. Interment will follow at the Gibson-Horn Cemetery, New Castle.⁵ He was buried at Gibson-Horn Cemetery, Ridge Road, New Castle, Craig Co., Virginia.⁵ He and Elizabeth Renay Looney were divorced.⁵ Christopher Neil "Chris" Short was born on December 29, 1976 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ He married Elizabeth Renay Looney, daughter of Benny Ray Looney and Rosie Marie "Rosa" Hutchinson, on August 22, 1998 at Craig Co., Virginia.^3,4 Christopher Neil "Chris" Short died on January 18, 2026 at Virginia at age 49.⁵