George Arthur Bishop, age 79, passed from this life to heaven at the home that he loved and shared with his wife of 55 years, Wilhelmina Pierce Bishop on April 13, 2016.
He was born April 8, 1937 in the Turkey Branch area of Barnwell, Ala. He was the son of Bryant Kingdom Bishop and Ethel Newell Bishop.
He grew up in the Barnwell area as a child and moved to Fairhope when he was 16 years old.
Leaving school in the seventh grade to help his family, he educated himself by reading and studying hard. He worked various jobs, including working for Berglin Creamery where he delivered milk around the area. In 1954, at the age of 17, he started going to sea as a wiper on merchant ships.
He was drafted into the Army in 1961. He married his sweetheart, Wilhelmina, the same year and was honorably discharged from the Army in 1963.
In 1968 he graduated from the School of Marine Engineers in Brooklyn, N.Y. as a third assistant engineer-unlimited horsepower. Then in 1970, he continued his education at the School of Marine Engineers and received his second assistant engineer-unlimited horsepower. He became a first engineer of steam and motor-unlimited horsepower in 1980 after attending the School of Marine Engineering in Dania, Fla. And, ultimately he obtained his license as a chief engineer steam and motor-unlimited horsepower in 1987 from the School of Marine Engineering in Dania, Fla.
He continued to work as chief engineer until 1995 when he retired from his regular duties. George then worked as a consulting engineer until 2003.
During all of this he also had a small farm which he enjoyed. He loved raising a small amount of cattle and other farm animals and growing vegetables.
George loved his family and friends very much. He would do anything to help any of them if they needed it.
His pride and joy were his grandchildren. He was very proud of each of them. His face would light up when they would visit. He would always point at them, smiling and with a twinkle in his eye telling them to “behave.” This was like a little joke between them.
George kept his humor until the very end. He was loved by many.
He was a lifelong Mason and Shriner. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a lifetime member or the NRA. He loved his country and was a true patriot.
His church was South River Park Church in Fairhope, Ala.
He is preceded in death by his father, Bryant Kingdom Bishop; and mother, Ethel Newell Bishop of Fairhope; his brothers, Archie Bishop, Ellis Anthony Bishop, Kenneth Ronnie Bishop; and his sister, Shirley Bishop Brown.
He is survived by his wife, Wilhelmina “Bill” of Fairhope, Ala.; his son, George Bryant Bishop of Fairhope; his daughters, Melani Bishop Parker (Dean) of Daphne, Bridget Bishop Dean (George) and Laine Bishop Walter (Scott), both of Fairhope; his brother, James Bryant Bishop (Libby) of Mobile; and his sister, Barbara Bishop Long (Dennis) of Fairhope; his grandchildren, Aaron Parker (Faithe), Pierce Parker (Brooke Delaney), Will Parker, Jordan Dean, Carley Dean, Abigail Dean, Ashley Longcrier (Chris), Adam Walter (Shelby Bringuier), Tyler Walter and Brodie Walter; great-grandchildren, Hannah Walter, Austin Estes and Jett Parker.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 4 p.m. at South River Park Church, 10993 County Road 32, Fairhope, AL 36532.
Visitation will begin at 2 p.m.
Interment at Timney Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to South River Park Church Building Fund.
Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com.
Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home, 7951 American Way, Daphne, AL.
