ORAN, Mo. -- Aquilla Blissett, 64, resident of rural Oran died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, at his home.

He was born June 11, 1950, in Earle, Arkansas, to the late Johnnie Lee and Maybelle Thomas Blissett.

He served in the United States Army from August 1970 to March 1972 where he was an M-16 expert and received an honorable discharge.

He was employed by Scott County Central schools for over 20 years and was the assistant pastor at Divine Temple Church in Oran.

He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Woods on Sept. 15, 1973. She survives of the home.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Erica Blissett of St. Louis; one daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Eric Ranson of Memphis, Tennessee; nine brothers, Johnnie B. Blissett and Joseph Blissett of Bowling Green, Kentucky, B.J. Blissett, Franklin Blissett and Douglas Blissett, all of Sikeston, Missouri, Charles Blissett, Michael Blissett, Phillip Blissett and Lee Blissett, all of Oran; five sisters, Mary Bean and Jo Ann Blissett of Sikeston, Betty Blissett of Oran, Linda Smith of Fulton, Missouri, and Virginia Blissett of St. Louis; five grandchildren; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. until the time of services at 2 p.m. Sunday at Scott County Central gymnasium (Ronnie Cookson Gymnasium) in rural Sikeston, with elder Michael Blissett officiating.

Interment will be in Divine Temple Memorial Gardens in Oran, with full military honors.

Williams Funeral Home of Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.