John Calvin Short

John Calvin Short passed peacefully from this earth on December 19, 2023. Calvin was born May 4, 1941, in Nashville TN, he was 82 years old. He was preceded in death by his father Johnny Russell Short, mother Velma Louise Short and sister Helen Cantrell. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Marie Short, son John Short (Jennifer), daughter Kelly Newberry (Brad), and sister Brenda Teasley.  Grandchildren Hannah Marie Short (Ben), John Austin Short (Delaney), Mary Tod Braswell (Sam), Emma Newberry, Hank Newberry, and great grandson Cannon Parker Short.

Calvin graduated from Joelton High School in 1959 where he played football and basketball for the Blue Jays. After high school, Calvin played one year for the University of Tennessee then finished his college career playing for Middle Tennessee State University.

His teaching and coaching career began at Gallatin High School as the assistant girls’ basketball coach moving to the head coach ranks after the departure of Hots Reyolds. In 1967, Calvin was recruited to Mantatee High School in Bradenton, FL by longtime friend Chad Choate to assist with rebuilding a program. During his tenure at Manatee High school, he held the positions of assistant football coach, head football coach, Dean of Boys, head track coach and assistant baseball coach.

Short returned to Gallatin in 1976 where he was the head football coach until 1993.  During his tenure he was blessed to be associated with a community that provided unwavering support, an outstanding administration, overly devoted coaching staffs and players who gave everything for their school.  The Green Wave became a staple in the yearly playoff picture and accumulated the following statistics: Overall Record 205-30; 6 State Championship Appearances, 3 State Championships (‘78, ‘89 and ‘92); 3 State Runner-up Finishes (‘82, ‘87 and ‘91); 11 Semi-Final Appearances, Regular Season Record of 164-16, Playoff Record of 41-14.  The decade of the 80’s found the Green Wave as the 2^nd winningest program in the State of Tennessee. 

After concluding his coaching career, Coach took over the reins at Portland High School where he served as the school’s Principal from 1994 - 1998.  During his time there, he assisted in transitioning the school campus to its current location.  In 2012, Gallatin High School’s football field was named in his honor as the Calvin Short Field in dedication of his success as the head football coach.

Calvin Short was known in the community as a great football coach.  To his family, he was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. 

Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at First Baptist Church Gallatin, 205 East Main Street Gallatin, TN  37066 with Rev. John Penfield officiating.  Visitation will be at the church on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be submitted at alexandergallatin.com.  (615) 502-0011

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org) or to the Gallatin Quarterback Club (greenwaveathletics.com).