With saddened hearts we announce the sudden passing of Dustin Wayne “Dusty” Gross, age 41, of Bradleyville, Missouri. Dusty passed away on October 22, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a truck accident. Dusty was born on December 12, 1984 in Springfield, Missouri.
Dusty grew up in Taney County and attended school in Bradleyville, where his passion for music developed. He played tenor sax in the Bradleyville Screaming Eagle Band. A gifted guitar player, he traveled extensively and shared the stage with renowned artists such as Johnny Lee, Roy Clark, Mickey Gilley, Mo Bandy, Lee Brice and many others. Dusty was lead guitarist and backup singer for Billie Dean. His incredible talent brought him to the prestigious Grand Ole Opry stage. Dusty performed at the Baldknobbers in Branson, Missouri, and was celebrated for his great vocal gifts. He was a self-taught musician, who turned a childhood dream into a reality.
In addition to his musical career, Dusty was a dedicated truck driver for Kropf Farm Supply in Seymour, MO. He also drove tour buses, combining his love for travel and community. Dusty grew up coon hunting and greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed a good rodeo. Above all, Dusty loved his children deeply, a love that will be forever felt and returned.
He was preceded in death by his beloved late wife, Whitney Gross, Maddie’s sweet Mommy. Those left to cherish his memory include his fiancée, Danielle Herbert; daughters, Madelyn Gross, Makenzie Gross, Adaline Gross, and Gwendolyn Gross; son, Brayden Carroll; his parents, Mike and Vicky Blair; grandmothers, Hester McBratney (Mac) and Patty Gross; grandfather, Jake Silvey; brother, Dillon Gross (Emily) and their daughter Millie; sisters, Jeanette Grainger and Taylor Gross; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.
Services for Dustin will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the White River Youth Camp in Taneyville, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude at service time. Burial will follow at the Blair Cemetery on Highway 76 in Bradleyville, Missouri.
In honor of Dustin, memorial gifts may be made to support his beloved daughters: Madelyn, Makenzie, Adaline, and Gwendolyn.
Dusty’s warmth, musical spirit, and generous heart touched all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by family and friends alike.
Care is under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Forsyth Chapel.
