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Steve Short Obituary
Steve was born February 28, 1952 in Jackson, TN. After a short time living in Jackson, TN near Bemis, his family moved to De Pere, Wisconsin (Green Bay) where he attended elementary school and developed a love for sports closely following the Milwaukee Braves and the Green Bay Packers.
In the early 1960s, the family returned to Milan, living in Area Q, the housing community located on the Milan Army Ammunition Plant. He graduated from Milan High School in 1970, attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and graduated from Memphis State University with a degree in English. He briefly taught in the Memphis City School System.
In May 1977, he married Susan Pillow. They returned to Milan in the late 1970’s, where Steve started writing humorous articles and taking pictures for the Milan Mirror (Exchange). Over the next 40 years using his many talents, he became an award-winning journalist; reporting on Milan’s education system and student academics, city and county government, sports, and community events. He was notorious for finding the hidden and detailed facts on many citizens and past events and reporting them, giving the Milan and Gibson County community a new perspective of itself. He retired as the assistant editor in September 2020. Steve’s humor, intelligence, kindness and empathy were evident in his interactions with everyone he met. Steve was a strong advocate for the Milan Schools and worked tirelessly for Milan Endowment for Growth in Academics (MEGA) grants, Destination Imagination, Gibson County Hall of Fame and the Milan High School Alumni Association.
Most knew Steve through his dedication and passionate love of music. Over his career, he performed with numerous bands, and hundreds of musicians. He donated his time playing for many local charities. But no matter the event, he wanted to challenge himself and spent hours practicing and planning the music so that the event was a success.
Steve was devoted to his family (and his pets). He leaves two daughters, Rachel Short Minton (Luke) and Jessica Short (Stephen Zerne); his younger brother Douglas Short (Anne) and his younger sister Amy Short. He also leaves nieces, Annie Short and Brigham Short, and nephews Dustin Harris and Nicholas Mann.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Betty Fisher Short and Fred E. Short, and his older sister Coni Short-Day Mann and stepson, James Allen.
The family appreciates the love and support in the shared loss of this unique individual who invested and cared about his family, friends, and community.
A celebration of life will be held January 21, 2023 at the Milan First United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to:
The Milan High School Alumni Association, milanalumni.org
The Memphis Botanical Gardens, membg.org
Bodkin Funeral Home
731-686-3111
Bobbi Linke
January 21, 2023
I really don’t know what to say. Steve was exceptional at everything he did. He played in our group Bobbi Blake and Company and was a great pianist as well as a great people pleaser. Over the years we kept in touch and my heart hurts that he is gone. RIP Steve!
Bobbi and Bill Linke
Debbie Wilson
January 21, 2023
Praying for Steve n Susan's daughters n all the family. May God comfort you n hold you tightly in his loving arms. Thank you Steve for your kind n giving heart. We all in the community, near n far will remember your many, many good deeds n acts of kindness. You are missed. RIP.
Henry & Carolyn Ward Williams
January 19, 2023
My husband, Henry, and I met Steve when he discovered and interviewed me as a pioneer being the first African-American teacher to integrate the faculty at K.D. McKellar School in 1966. We have had many meetings with Steve and always enjoyed his easy manner, knowledge of so much about Milan and quick wit. We even got to enjoy his mellow guitar music at the Flatiron Grill in Jackson.
Steve was passionate about highlighting events in sports and Milan City Schools Education that he felt was necessary as part of the city's history that should be recognized by all.
A big void has been left in the Milan and surrounding communities with the loss of Steve Short. He will be sorely missed.
We pray that his daughters and their families are following in Steve's footsteps by being persons who love all people and all cultures.
We have you in our prayers for the loss of your parents.
Sincerely,
Henry "Sonny" & Carolyn Ward Williams
Matt Riggins
January 18, 2023
Steve was a good man. Enjoyed his anecdotes at family reunions. Will be missed and fondly remembered.
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Gina Jewell Cowsert
January 14, 2023
Continued prayers for Steve's children, family and friends in his loss. No words can ever lessen their grief. Remember how much he was loved by so many and was a far reaching influence in the Milan and surrounding community. May God carry you all in his arms at this time. I will miss not being able to discuss music with him or sit in with him and sing. The Class of 1970 will miss you!
Marian Greer
January 14, 2023
Steve played for us over the holidays at a special Christmas party, my family loved having time with him and his memory will be treasured by each of us. Our condolences to his family are extended for the loss and wishes for peace and comfort as you remember your parents.
Bo Barton
January 13, 2023
Steve always gave us the most beautiful piano intros with Blacklace. But trying to keep the rest of the band in check was a challenge for him. Miss you friend. See you again someday.
Jimmy Brown
January 12, 2023
With sadness and heavy hearts, The Polk-Clark Class of 1964 sending our deepest condolences to The Short family. We are so grateful for the love and acts of kindness he’s shown us through the years. Definitely a true friend of ours and will be truly missed.
Pam Dietz
January 12, 2023
Steve was always kind and helpful to me when I came to Milan for photographs from a rival paper. He helped me find names and other information for the photos to be published. Not many rivals would do that. I loved to listen to him make music, he was so talented. It is a hard thing to lose a loved one, grief strikes as it will whether we are ready or not. You all have my deepest sympathies on this loss.
Candy Colvin
January 12, 2023
Thoughts and prayers with family so so sorry he was a good person will be missed I will always remember him @ high school basketball games taking pics
Deborah Stewart
January 11, 2023
Steve was such a loving and kind person, and he made you feel that you can do so much in life. he will be truly missed. He was never selfish and always loving and kind. My prayers will be with his family through this heartbreaking time.
Marilyn Hicks
January 11, 2023
He was one of the kindest, caring and considerate people I have ever had the privilege to know.
Deborah Clark
January 10, 2023
Steve was wrote such a wonderful article about my brother Michael Sanders when he died and my brother thought alot of Steve. I will forever be grateful to him for everything he said about my brother. I was so sorry to hear about his death praying for his family
Deborah Sanders Clark
William Sisk
January 10, 2023
Leader, kind intellectual friend, and artist. GIVER..... Never a taker ~ Photographer emeritus. Rest in peace
Lynn Lear
January 10, 2023
So many memories too many accolades to list. Simply, Steve was an amazing person. I grieve deeply with the family and friends. He left an impact that won’t ever be forgotten.
Diane Cantelmo Desvaux
January 10, 2023
I have such fond high school memories of Steve. Voted “Best all Around “ and “Most Dependable” his senior year. Also, “Most Valuable Player” in football. It all speaks to his character. What a terrible loss for his family, friends and the Milan community. ❤
Birdie Mays (Newbill)
January 10, 2023
Steve was a caring and kind person. I would always see him and talk with him when walking the track and through the Milan park. Steve always asked about my girls that was very active in Milan school system ( basketball, softball and cheerleader ). He will be missed greatly .
Angela Hibbitt
January 10, 2023
rip beautiful person ,
Betty Coleman Luckey
January 9, 2023
Steve you will definitely be missed. Your music will always be remembered.
Tammy Grant
January 9, 2023
Steve has a very kind supporter of the arts. He will be missed!
Tina Eddie
January 9, 2023
Prayers for strength and comfort during this great loss
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