Herschel Gayle Short, 80, a resident of McMinnville, Tennessee passed away at his home on March 3rd, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 14th, 1940, to his parents Robert Clyde Short and Martha Caldwell Short who preceded him to heaven. He married the love of his life, Josephine Davidson on October 14th, 1960. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
Herschel was an accomplished guitarist and singer. He utilized these talents when he surrendered to the ministry after years of working as a diesel mechanic. He attended Arlington Baptist College, and he pastored for 42 years at the following: Gospel Light Baptist Church in Goshen, Ohio, Temple Baptist Church in Burnet, Texas, and lastly Lighthouse Baptist Church, McMinnville, TN where he retired as Pastor Emeritus in 2020. While residing in Burnet, Texas, Herschel worked for Hospice Highland Lakes as a Hospice Chaplain for many years.
Herschel was known by friends and family for bringing people together. He was a "gentle giant", generous to the point of sacrificial giving, and full of loving-kindness towards everyone. He was also known for his love! Love for the Lord foremost, love for his family, love for music, love for cowboy boots, bolo ties, and long relaxed drives with Josephine. Many people thought he sounded just like Johnny Cash but in this writer's opinion he was a better singer! Nothing brought him more joy than spending time being entertained by his grandchildren and great grandchildren and he was a big child at heart! Much like his own dad.
He is preceded in death by their daughter, Alysia Gayle Short and great grandson Ryan Alford Partin. He is survived by his wife, Josephine Short of McMinnville, children Colleen (Phil) Jones of McMinnville, TN; Angela Elliott of Lynchburg, Ohio; Dana (Stephen) Highsmith of Burnet, Texas; grandchildren Chad (Ashlea) Jones; Melissa (Rasheed) Thomas; Lauren Hyles; Lindsey Williams; Chelsey (Seth) Partin; Luke (Chelsea) Williams; Noah Elliott; Christian (Beatrice) Highsmith; Andrew Highsmith; Caleb Highsmith; Alec Highsmith. Step grandchildren Rebecca and Joshua Elliott. Great Grandchildren: Colton and Cobe Jones; Karleigh Jones; Jacob and Paisley Hyles; Maddison Stewart; Tyler, Hadley, Landon and Baby Boy Partin; Alivia, Weston, and Emma Williams; Cora-Lou Highsmith.
