Stephen (Steve) Taylor Short (70), a beloved husband, father, friend and community leader of Milan, TN died in his home on January 5, 2023. 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 1970s, 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 Milans 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. Steves 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 Celebration of Life Saturday, January 21, 2023 11:00 AM Milan First United Methodist Church 2000 Jones Blvd. Milan, TN 38358