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William Bishop Obituary
He was born to William E. and Ommie Oakley Bishop on Sept. 28, 1923, in Brunswick County, Va. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James D. Bishop and Clarence E. Bishop.
He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Etta Lucy Bishop; one daughter, Carolyn B. Wilkins (Wayne); two sons, William E. Bishop III (Ann Pryor), Donald L. Bishop (Karen); five grandsons, James M. King (Linn), Andrew C. King (fiancee, Mollie), Dr. Steven E. Bishop (Rachel), William T. Bishop, Ashton P. Bishop; two granddaughters, Brittany N. Gupton, Ann Cabell Bishop; two great-granddaughters, Courtney K. King, Elizabeth J. (Ellie) Bishop; four sisters, Virginia B. Short of Alberta, Va., Christine B. Edmonds of Dolphin, Va., Maxine B. Simmons (William) of Petersburg, Lavenia B. Gibson (Leroy) of Dolphin, Va.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Bishop was educated in Brunswick County Schools, graduating from Alberta High School in 1943. He entered the U.S. Army April 1, 1944, serving in the Army Medical Corps until 1946. He studied blueprint and drafting, which led to building bridges and houses. After retiring as a tobacco farmer in Dinwiddie County he worked at the Petersburg Training School as the building and grounds supervisor. After working 10 years, Petersburg Training School and Central State merged. He retired in December 1987 as the superintendent of building and grounds.
He loved God, his country, family, friends, farms, Model A Ford and Super A Farmall Tractor.
Mr. Bishop was a member of Smith Grove and Bethel United Methodist churches. He served as commander of Post 284 American Legion, Colonial Heights; chef de gare, Forty and Eight Voiture Du Virginia, Colonial Heights, Va.; president of Red Oak Ruritan Club, Alberta, Va.; and vice commander of the American Legion Eleventh District, Richmond, Va.; and a veterans hospital (McGuire) volunteer.
The family will receive friends and family from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Williams Funeral Home, 410 Windsor Ave., Lawrenceville, VA 23868. The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 45 Church St., Alberta, VA 23821, with burial at the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bethel United Methodist Building and Cemetery Fund, 310 Pinehurst Place, Alberta, VA 23821, or Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bishop
July 22, 2011
Dear Etta,
Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Sandra and Tucker Ramsey
Elizabeth Bishop
July 17, 2011
Etta & Family,
I realize there is very little one can do or say at a time like this. But, I do want you to know you have my deepest sympathy. God needed another angel so he called William home. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Love,
Elizabeth Bishop, Dinwiddie, VA.
March 29, 2011
James, Charles, Ann, Sarah Hague
July 15, 2011
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of a wonderful man.
William loved to tell the story of him and our dad turning over a canoe on a fishing trip. We know dad has met him at the gates of heaven to begin great adventures for eternity!
All our love,
Judy Thompson Hawkins
July 15, 2011
Dear Etta,
Words are simply inadequate at this time. I know how much you love William, because I remember you sharing so much about your life together.
Please accept my deepest sympathies, and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in your memories, and through the grace of God.
July 15, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of "Pops" passing. He will be deeply missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian and Debbie Banner
Edith Glenn
July 15, 2011
Dear Etta Love, so very sorry abou your loss, but so glad I got to see him.Just know that he is out of his suffering & in a better place. Love you & hope to see you soon. Edith
Mary McChesney
July 14, 2011
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Calvin Birdsall
July 14, 2011
Cal and I were deeply saddened to hear of William`s passing.. We will miss him in our church family.. Our sincere sympathy goes out to each and every family member.
Brenda and Cal Birdsall
Vincent Nanny
July 14, 2011
My condolences to the Bishop Family.
Frances & Ronne Morgan
July 14, 2011
Wow, Mr. B. How I enjoyed waiting on this handsome man for many years at BSV. He would walk through that door with a smile. What a sweet sweet man he was. I know you all will miss him but his memory will go with you everywhere. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and know that he is at peace now with no more suffering. Anything Ronnie and I can do please call, we'll be there. Take care and see you soon. Love to all!!
Patricia Elder
July 14, 2011
Carolyn: So sorry to read about your dad passing away. I miss mine daily and know you will too. Our prayers are with you and the family.
mike janosik
July 14, 2011
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you"Janosik family
July 14, 2011
My deepest sympathy, may GOD bless your family.
Don Garrett
July 14, 2011
Carolyn Bill and Donald,
You have our deepest sympathy. May God bless.
Joe and Melissa Reiter
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