Brian Charles (Father Andrew) Short

Brian Charles (Father Andrew) Short, age 66, of Spring Hill, TN, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on April 17, 2024, after a valiant struggle with esophageal cancer.

 

Brian was born on April 25, 1957 to Charles Rex and Margie Chatterton Short in Garnett, Kansas. His childhood was spent in Topeka, KS with his older sisters Barbara and Brenda and his younger brother Brad. Following his graduation from Highland Park High School, he attended Kansas State University where he fulfilled his childhood dream of playing saxophone in a Big 8 marching band. While attending K-State he met Belinda Minor, who became his beloved wife of 41 years. During his time at K-State he became involved with The Navigators campus ministry. Upon graduating, he answered Christ’s call to serve by spending the next two years as a missionary in Taiwan. Brian returned to the US to marry Belinda and to attend Asbury Seminary, where he graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 1984. After seminary, he worked on staff for The Navigators for several years, directing college ministries in both Illinois and Missouri.  In preparation for continuing his mission work overseas, he completed a Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language in 1991 from the University of Central Missouri.

 

In 1992, Brian and Belinda, along with their four daughters, Katie, Emily, Abigail and Amanda, returned to Taiwan, where they served as missionaries for four years and welcomed their fifth daughter, Victoria. During their time in Taichung and Kaohsiung, Brian lead campus ministries and taught English in local schools and universities. In 1996, once again following Christ’s call, Brian and Belinda, moved with their family to Tennessee to join the Eastern Orthodox faith at St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Franklin. There they remained faithful members for 22 years. Brian was actively involved in many aspects of church life including teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, and helping with youth, college, and men’s ministries.

 

In 1997, Brian began his 25+ year career in the mortgage industry. He was a business owner, industry leader, and educator. Brian founded Integrity Mortgage Group, served as the Executive Director for the Tennessee Association of Mortgage Professionals, and was an active member and leader in his local BNI and Franklin Noon Rotary Club. He enjoyed teaching certification and continuing education courses for mortgage professionals across Tennessee and nationwide.

 

In 2017, Brian continued his lifelong calling to serve the Lord and was ordained Deacon Andrew and assigned to serve at St. Anna Antiochian Orthodox Church in Columbia, TN, where he was a founding member. After serving as a deacon for three years, he was ordained to the priesthood and continued his ministry at St. Anna. Fr. Andrew delighted in meeting with parishioners and catechumens, visiting with the sick and elderly, and serving the Divine services. During his time at St. Anna, the parish flourished.

 

Brian was a devoted and loving husband, cherishing his wife and always wanting her by his side. He was also a loving and proud father. He never missed an opportunity to tell anyone he spoke with about his five girls. Brian treasured his relationship with his son-in-law Alex. Being an Eagle Scout was one of Brian’s proudest accomplishments. He enjoyed growing trees in his backyard (affectionately referring to them as “his boys”). When the weather was nice he would find any excuse to go out on his motorcycle. He was always looking forward to his next vacation with his family. His humor, quick wit, and love for adventure were the things he was best known for. He never met a stranger. His ministry to people and desire to spread Christ’s Gospel was the foundation of his life.

 

Preceded in death by his mother, Margie Chatterton Short; grandparents, Charles John and Hazel Irene Young Short, Reuben Arthur Chatterton and Mabel Madelyn Whitaker.

 

Survived by his wife of 41 years, Belinda Joyce Short; daughters, Katherine Short, Emily Short, Sister Aemilia (Abigail) Short, Amanda [Father Alexander] Mackoul and Victoria Short; father, Charles Rex Short; sisters, Barbara [Dorothy Gager] Short, Brenda [William] Clarkin and brother, Bradley [Marilyn] Short.

 

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 AM Saturday, April 20, 2024 at St. Ignatius Orthodox Church, Franklin, TN. Visitation will be from 3:30-5:30 PM Friday, April 19, 2024 at the church.  Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Anna Antiochian Orthodox Church, Columbia, TN. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 615-794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com