George Francis Bliss

George Francis Bliss, age 98, of Cambridge, passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday (January 14, 2022).

He was born October 1, 1923 in Cambridge, Ohio to the late Carl and Nelle (Hammond) Bliss.

George was a 1941 graduate of Brown High School (Cambridge). Following high school, George drove tanker trucks for Standard Oil before entering the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943-1945. He fought in the European theater of war seeing combat from D-Day through the Battle of the Bulge.

After the war, George later opened his own service station with Standard Oil which became known as Bliss Sohio and later Bliss BP located on the corner of Clark Street and Steubenville Avenue in Cambridge for 43 years.

George was a well-loved mentor and coach to many young people both in business and through youth sporting activities for over 50 years. His many achievements include the creation of Cambridge Biddy League Football, officiating and bookkeeping for various sports and as a Bobcat Booster officer and volunteer. To honor his service, the City of Cambridge dedicated the press box in his name at Doug Donley stadium in the Cambridge City Park.

George also loved to golf his entire life. He shared his passion for golf as a certified PGA instructor providing lessons for youth and adults alike as well as serving as past president of the Cambridge Country Club.

George was twice elected Exalted Ruler, also known as the President and Executive Officer of Elks Lodge 448. He was also a member of the Cambridge VFW post 2901, a member of the American Legion 389 and he was nominated for and won the area's Father of the Year in 1986.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his second wife, June (Danley) Jones Bliss; his first wife, Opal (Gould) Bliss; stepson, Richard Jones; and sisters, Dorothy Olsavsky, Monna Rose and Theda Works.

George is survived by his daughter, Lana (Ralph) Watkins of Cambridge; stepchildren, Dennis (Kathryn) Jones of Norwalk, Marla Vance of Marion, Brenda (James) Enterline of Marion, and Timothy (Cheryl) Jones of Yadkinville, NC; grandchildren, James (Amy) Jackson of Columbus and Heather Jackson of Las Vegas; and step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, great nieces, great nephews and many friends.

No calling hours will be held at this time. Funeral services with full military honors will be arranged at a later date.

.