Obituary of William R. Bliss Jr.

William Richard Bliss Jr., age 60, passed away on Thursday, September 28th 2023 surrounded by family in his home in Colonial Heights, VA. Bill was born on January 13th 1963 to parents Dolores and William Richard Bliss Sr. in Hornell, NY. He was a 1981 graduate of Troupsburg Central School and attended Alfred State College where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bill was a dedicated man and was employed at Lawman Heating and Cooling for 35+ years. In 2020 his dedication was rewarded as he was named a Marquis Who’s Who in America, an award given to individuals who “possess professional integrity, demonstrate outstanding achievement in their respective fields and have made innumerable contributions to society as a whole”. Bill was predeceased by his father William Bliss Sr., and grandparents Melvin and Mildred Bliss and Theodore and Annabelle Atkins. Bill is survived by his wife Kara Bliss. He is also survived by his previous wife, Gina Bliss, and their children, Jared (Chelsey) Bliss – VA, Hannah (Daniel) Wade – NY, Jacob Bliss (fiancé Jewel Bergen) – NY and Isabelle (Ned) Richardson – NY, his stepchildren, Stephen (Alexandra) Nelson – VA, Montana (Samuel) Dellinger – VA and Savannah Nelson (Jacob Steblein) – NC, his grandchildren, Evelyn and Theodore Wade, Odin Richardson and Ira William Bliss, his mother, Dolores Bliss (George Brasted) – NY, his brother, Aaron (Annette) Bliss – VA, his sister, Barbara (Mark) Leach – NY, as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Bill was an avid musician who grew his love for music through playing guitar, banjo and dobro among other instruments with his Dad and continued throughout his life with friends. He was also a composer and songwriter; his most recent composition being a hymn called “Bended Knees”. He was always ready to help others, especially young people starting out in their careers. He gave them opportunities to learn a trade and become successful. His greatest achievement in life, though, was his children. Bill spent countless hours as a scout leader, coach and anything he could get involved with and was so proud of his kids’ accomplishments. Most recently he helped one of his daughters open a music studio in Virginia called Music Explorers. Bill loved God and loved his family and treasured nothing more than the time he spent with the ones he loved. Funeral services will be held at the Troupsburg Methodist Church on Sunday, October 1st at 2 pm. Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers, the family asks donations to be made to St. Jude’s and Musicians on Call in Bill’s name. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull, NY.