Ralph Bishop

Ralph Gordon Bishop, 95, of Asheville passed away March 24, 2011. Born in Buncombe County in 1915, he was the last surviving sibling in his family and was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mildred Watts Bishop, son James Lewis (Buddy) Bishop of Goose Creek, SC, grandsons Matthew Bishop and Jerry Bishop, granddaughter Ryan Elizabeth Bishop, and numerous nephews and nieces. Ralph joined the U.S. Army and received a medical discharge. After his discharge, he worked in the Detroit automotive industry before returning home to Asheville. Ralph loved books, political debates, good food, and helping his elderly neighbors. A special thanks to Gloria Lunsford, Charles Lyerly and Linda Wilson for their care and devotion in assisting Ralph and their mother Mildred Bishop over the past 5 years of Ralphs extended illnesses; special thanks also to nephew Robert Bishop and his wife Sandy of Glenville, NY and Kent Kelly, Mildreds grandson. The family will hold a private memorial service.