Joseph Gatewood Short

In remembrance of Joseph Gatewood Short, who passed away on January 22, 2020 in his home in Blountville, Tennessee. Joseph, known as "Sonny" was the son of the late Gatewood Dillon Short and Margaret Elizabeth Short. Sonny was born in Laurel, Maryland on March 21, 1936 where he and his family resided in surrounding cities and states. Sonny eventually moved to California where he raised his family and started working for General Motors. After several years living on the west coast, Sonny decided to move his family to East TN to be closer to family on the east coast and retire in the countryside. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and gardening. In his younger years, Joe was a gunsmith who specialized in creating custom works tailored to his clients. He spent his free time reading and learning about history, politics, and listening and watching stories about Americana such as Tanto and the Lone Ranger. As a young adult, Joe was also a champion chess player and avid boxer. Joe was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was always willing to step up and naturally took on the role of a provider. Joe was overflowing with wit and charisma, which left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Joe will be missed by all who knew him, especially his wife of 35 years, Melinda Jean Short; Father-in-law, Shirley McLaughlin; Sister-in-law, Janice McLaughlin, and daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Michael Miulli; daughter, Laura Short; Grandchildren, Briana, Monique and Joseph Short-Silva, Frankie and his wife, Kyra Lopez, Reyna and her husband, Austin May, Michael and his wife, Chrissie Miulli, and Melanie Miulli; Great Grandchildren, Jasper, Adelaide, Aria, Mila, and Easton; Sisters, Dorothy Baumer and Jacqueline Huggins; Brothers, Ronald and his wife, Darlene Short, Robert and his wife, Noreen Short; and Aunt, Betty Shipley. Joe is preceded in death by his sisters, Joyce Pilat, Linda Carter and June Agostino; Mother-in-law, Janet Perez, and his first wife, Patsy Parrish-Short. Joe is also survived by many loving relatives and friends including his dearest friend of many years, Lucille Fassell. A celebration for Joe's life will be held in his memory in his home state of Maryland. Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to be serving the family.