Daniel B Shorb

Daniel Blanton Shorb

October 25, 1952 – September 8, 2026

Daniel Blanton Shorb, Sr. passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, at Grace Davis Hall Hospice House in Ocala, Florida. He was born October 25, 1952, in Hanover, Pennsylvania. He was a gifted musician, devoted husband, father, grandfather, music teacher, church music director, organist, pianist, and faithful servant of Christ.

Dan graduated from Southwestern High School in 1970 and went on to devote his life to music and ministry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sacred Music, with an emphasis in Piano, from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He later received a Master of Arts degree in Music Theory from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Music was not simply Dan’s profession – it was one of the ways he expressed his faith, served others, and shared the beauty of God’s creation. As a pianist, organist, arranger, composer, educator, and music director, he possessed an extraordinary understanding of music and a wonderfully expressive style at the piano. His playing could be both technically masterful and deeply heartfelt.

Dan served as organist of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was Chairman of the Music Department at Tennessee Temple University. Throughout his ministry, he served as Director of Music at four churches: First United Methodist Church in Ocala, Florida; St. Andrew By the Sea United Methodist Church on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; First United Methodist Church in Starke, Florida; and Grace United Methodist Church in St. Augustine, Florida. He was also an adjunct professor of music at Flagler College in St. Augustine.

For 30 years, Dan was also actively involved with the Florida Chapter of the Fellowship for United Methodists in Worship Arts, serving in a variety of capacities, including a term as president. Through his years of service, he influenced countless musicians, worship leaders, students, and congregants.

Dan had a special gift for helping people become better musicians. He willingly shared his knowledge, encouraged students, helped friends develop their musical skills, and challenged those around him to grow. He often described himself as a “recovering perfectionist,” although his family occasionally wondered about the “recovering” part. His attention to musical detail was matched by his desire to help others discover the same joy and excellence he found in music.

Those who knew Dan will remember his quiet demeanor, gentle spirit, dry sense of humor, and remarkable musical mind. They will remember the hours spent arranging and composing music, the beautiful sounds that came from his piano, and the way he could make music communicate something deeper than words alone.

Away from the piano, Dan enjoyed kayaking on Florida’s crystal clear spring-fed rivers and loved to travel, taking delight in seeing and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation. Whether sitting at a piano, working on a musical arrangement, exploring a new place, or spending time with those he loved, Dan approached life with curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a deep appreciation for the gifts he had been given.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Libby” J. Stiltner Shorb, and their three sons: Daniel B. Shorb, Jr. (Marianela), Jared P. Shorb (Ashley), and Philip L. Shorb. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Madison Elizabeth Shorb, Mason Timothy Shorb, Gregory Xavier Shorb, Alexander Ivan Shorb, Landry Ashlyn Shorb, and Maddox Elias Shorb.

He is also survived by his siblings, Thomas P. Shorb (Yvonne), Timothy B. Shorb, and Robin Shorb Norton (Kenneth). He was preceded in death by his parents, Blanton Baum Shorb and Mariana Warner Shorb.

Dan leaves behind much more than a collection of musical accomplishments. He leaves behind music that will continue to be played, students and colleagues who will continue to teach and serve because of what he shared with them, friends who were made better by his encouragement, and a family who will carry his memory in their hearts.

A master musician, a gifted pianist, a faithful servant, and a man who loved his Lord, Dan’s life was a beautiful composition of faith, family, music, service, and love. His earthly music has ended, but we believe his greatest song has only begun.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. And while our hearts are heavy with his absence, we rejoice in the promise of our faith—that this is not the final measure, and that one day we will see him again in Heaven.

Until then, may the music he gave us continue to play.

A Memorial Concert will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Ocala on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, Dan and Libby would appreciate any donation to the Florida Chapter of The Fellowship, in Dan’s honor. Please send to:

The Florida Fellowship

C/O Beth Trotter

12819 Cedar Ridge Drive

Hudson, FL 34669