“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). This was a favorite Bible verse of Joshua Short. A free-spirited, outgoing, kind and competitive athlete describes Josh, who joined his loving savior on July 5, 2021.

Josh was born on December 17, 1989, to his parents, Mike and Theresa Short, in Knoxville. Josh was steeped in faith and had a deep love for Christ. He was a gifted athlete in many sports but breathed baseball, especially during his high school years. Josh has spiritual roots in The Zion community, both in proximity and in life. Hakuna-Matata was his favorite motto, and literally, it stuck with him. The socialite of the Short clan was always ready and willing to join his family and friends in gathering. Josh at heart loved his family; his brothers share equal parts of him. His gentle competitive soul will be missed by them deeply.

Josh’s competitive spirit and love of life, family, and friends were ever-present in his decade-long journey with the cycle of addiction.

Josh is survived by his parents, Mike and Theresa Short of Columbia; brothers, Andrew Short and Chris Short, both of Columbia; grandmother, Marna Short; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A service for Josh was held on Sunday, July 11, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia. The family received friends on Saturday from 4–6 p.m. The burial was private with family present at Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbia, TN.