William "Bill" Miller Bliven

William “Bill” Miller Bliven, 67, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on April 6, 2026. Born on May 14, 1958, in Middletown, Ohio, Bill lived a life marked by service, kindness, and devotion to his family, friends, and community. Affectionately known as “Billy” by his siblings and those closest to him, Bill was a man who never met a stranger.

Bill graduated from White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Lambuth College in Jackson, Tennessee. At Lambuth, Bill was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and active across campus in many other ways.

Bill’s strong work ethic began early with his first job delivering newspapers alongside his brother and continued throughout his life. He built a successful career in the food service industry as a broker and multi-line representative. He later continued his passion for helping others through his work with the American Red Cross. He often joked that he “traded food for blood,” a transition that perfectly reflected the kind of person he was. Prior to his retirement in early 2025, he encouraged countless individuals to donate blood, making a lasting impact on his community.

A longtime resident of Louisville, Bill was a devoted member of Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully served on several committees and in many roles, including Stephen Minister, deacon, and elder. He coached multiple sports teams and was a familiar and welcoming presence in the church kitchen, happily preparing meals for youth and fellow members. His consistent service and spirit were felt by all who knew him.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Bill loved both playing and cheering on teams at all levels. He was a dedicated fan of the Louisville Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Reds. He also personally participated in golf, basketball, softball, dartball, and volleyball, sharing his passion for sports with friends and family alike. In addition, you could find Bill spending a day on the lake, fishing, and likely later exaggerating about the size of the fish he caught.

In recent years, you could find Bill walking the golf course and collecting golf balls, preparing them for other golf enthusiasts. He also had a well-known love for yard sales, never passing up the chance for a good deal or the opportunity to strike up a conversation along the way. More than anything, though, Bill found great joy in spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and loved ones, creating lasting memories, sharing lots of laughter, and always ready to offer a plate of cookies or a bourbon.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Eryle Bliven and Nancy Miller Bliven, and his sisters, Jane Rongey and Frances Hughes. He is survived by his loving wife, Pam Bliven; his son, Nick Bliven (Lily); his bonus (step) son, Richard Nachby (Erin); his brother, John Bliven (Leslye); his grandsons, Stephen and Philip Nachby; and his granddaughter-to-be, Elizabeth Nachby. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who loved him dearly.

Bill will be remembered for his warm heart, his unwavering generosity, and his ability to make everyone feel like a friend. He often joked about the many “famous people” he knew, though he was simply talking about his loved ones, who meant the world to him. His legacy of love and service will live on in the many lives he touched and will be missed by all. Even at the end of his life, Bill had signed up to donate his eyes and tissue, a decision he had previously made to provide life-saving support for others. The world was brighter because Bill Bliven was in it.

A visitation will take place on Friday, April 17, from 4 to 7 pm. On Saturday, April 18, a celebration of life will begin at 11 am. A reception will take place directly after the celebration. All services will take place at Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to the American Red Cross, Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church, or Northern Kentucky University (FUEL NKU).