Gary Andrew Bliss

Gary Andrew Bliss, 46, of Williamsville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born on November 23, 1979, to Milton Harold Bliss and Patricia Ione (Swigert) Bliss.

Gary attended East Carter High School, where he was a proud member of the 1997 State Championship basketball team. Basketball was an important part of his school years and a memory he carried with him throughout his life.

Gary worked at Pizza Inn for many years, where he met the love of his life, Beth. Gary and Beth were married on May 25, 2002, and together they built a life centered around family, laughter, and love. Gary was a devoted father, who loved his children with all of his heart and would do anything for them. His family was the center of his world, and the memories they made together will be treasured forever.

Gary spent 16 years working at the Sears Youth Center in Poplar Bluff, where he dedicated himself to helping troubled youth. During those years, he touched the lives of countless young people. His patience, humor, and willingness to help others made lasting differences in the lives of those he worked with. He also worked for several years at Greenville High School, where he drove a school bus and served as the ISS teacher. Working with young people was a recurring and meaningful part of Gary's life.

Gary was known for his sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. He loved to crack jokes and could find a way to bring laughter into almost any situation. He enjoyed watching scary movies and loved to jump out and scare anyone he could. He also loved thrifting, taking scenic rides with his family, and trying new restaurants, especially ones that served crab legs and crawfish.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Beth Bliss; his son, Samuel Bliss; and his daughter, Mary Beth Bliss. He is also survived by his father, Milton Harold Bliss; his siblings, Harold (Renee) Bliss, Sheila Bliss, and Greg Bliss; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Ione Bliss, and his brothers, Calvin Bliss and Robert Bliss, and his niece, Briana Murray.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, from 6:00-8:00pm at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 10:00am with Pastor Dustin Wilson officiating. He will be laid to rest at Brown Chapel Cemetery in Broseley.

Gary’s laughter, jokes, and kindness, will live on in the memories he created with his family. He may be gone from their sight, but he will never be gone from their hearts.