Bruce E. Short, age 94, of Smyrna, TN, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 23, 2017.

A native of Rutherford County, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 69 years, Mary Alice Smith Short; his parents, John Houston and Mary Neely Lewis Short; brothers, Lewis, Leslie, and Frank; and sisters, Lucille Purcell and Elizabeth Harris.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at Powell's Chapel Bapitst Church where he was a life-long member. Rev. Mike Smith and Rev. Todd Wermers will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

He is survived by his sons, Sam (Joy) Short, Gerry (Patty) Short, and Dwayne Short; grandchildren, Melissa (Michael) Robinson, Lori (Tommy) Shelton, Samuel (Brooklyn) Short, Josh (Jamie) Short, Craig (Rachel) Short, Tyler (Shelby) Short, and Trenton Short; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Gladys Alsup; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Short was a combat medic in World War II, serving in the China/India/Burma Theatre. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned home to marry the one who had become the love of his life. He worked for 33 years at Avco Aerostructures and retired in 1984, at which time he began the passionate hobby of raising beautiful irises. He had varieties from all over the world and delighted in sharing bouquets of them with his friends and relatives. At the time of his death he had over 600 varieties.

Johnnie Leonard and grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Casey Burgdorf and the Deacons of Powell's Chapel Baptist, Pat Ryan, Lynn Phillips, Larry Wrather, Ronald Dowdy, Mike Hartley.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Short may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Association.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woodfin Chapel in Smyrna and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Powell's Chapel.