CHESWOLD - George Bishop made his final landing in the late afternoon of Apr. 22nd, 2017. George was born on 6 Aug. 1925 at home in Goldsboro, Md.; the 7th of 13 children of Oscar and Elnora Richard Bishop. He graduated from Greensboro High School in 1943, and married Mary Fleming on 6 Jun. 1948.
His life was balanced between natural talents of music and drawing; interests in flying, camping, astronomy, the responsibility to his family and countless other things that came into his orbit.
Drawing was as natural as breathing. Any blank space on a piece of paper would be soon filled with any number of doodles. Most memorable was a drawing of Lyndon Johnson from the newspaper. His last few months he used coloring books to express his talent; with colorful artwork still within the lines.
Music came early, while a teenager he received a fiddle, in pieces which he then put together and taught himself to play. He played the fiddle, guitar, steel guitar, mandolin and Dobro until after his 90th birthday when his fingers and ears failed him.
Flying was his passion; at age 21 joining with his friend Mike Spearing to buy an Aeronca Champ, SN 84645. From his first flight in Jul. 21, 1945 to his final check flight on 21 Jul. 2015 accumulating over 11,890 hours
Dad bought us books about the stars and would sit with us watching the northern lights; lunar and solar eclipse; and pointing out a one of the early passing satellites. In the final year he got to see the rings of Saturn through his telescope.
His interests continued to evolve through the years; in his 70s building a water pond where he enjoyed watching the fish, turtles and frogs up till the end of his life. In the 80's he took up wood working creating gavels, pencil, bowls and candle holders.
During his life, Dad did many things to provide for his family. In the early years spent at DuPont before turning to farming in the area of Greensboro and Goldsboro. When the farm failed Dad worked several jobs: driving the Pet Milk truck and working at a company making transformers before hiring on at Standard Brands in Cheswold, Delaware where he eventually moved the family in the spring of 66. It was during this time returned to his first love, flying, working nights and flying in the daytime, building hours and eventually obtaining his commercial, instructor, instrument and instrument instructor tickets.
As a pilot he taught, towed banners, flew with reporters for news stories and attended crop dusting school in Slaton, Texas.. Dad loved any flying event; once while attending an aerobatic competition; although unplanned he has asked to participate; and with no practice did well enough to receive a trophy in Easton MD. After starting his own Ag business June 1975 he continued flight instruction while working at Standard Brands and then started at PPG in 1976 where he retired in 1985. He continued his Ag business until 1988 when he sold the business but continued flying (teaching and spraying). Dad continued flying until just prior to his 90th birthday. As age made crawling into the airplane more difficult he could be found at the computer, flying all manner of aircraft all over the country.
George and Mary resided at their home in Cheswold for 48 years where he worked and was a member of he community, serving several years with Cheswold volunteer fire department. After leaving the hospital for pneumonia in February he spent the final two months receiving visits from many family and friends.
A man of many gifts and a passion for flying which allowed George to escape the travails of this earth. Dad loved his life's flight, and was happy and ready to make his final landing and throttle down, passing peacefully in his sleep in late afternoon.
George is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years Mary; his brother, Oscar (Pat) of Felton; sisters, Kate (Ray) Breeding of Greensboro, Md., Alice Bishop and Elnora (Wilmer, deceased) Jackson, both of Denton. George is also survived by four children, Doug (Brenda) of Mason, Ill.; Charlene (Olin) Evans of Macon, Mo.; George (Ronda) of Sumner, Wash.; and Jeff (Magdalena) of Crofton, Md. and sixgrandchildren, Doug, Jason, Forrest, Amanda, Johnathon and Christina; nine great-grandchildren; Will, Kaylie, Josh, Emma-Lea, Jacob, Ryan, Charlie, Alex, and Emmaline, and one great-great-granddaughter, Charlotte.
George is proceeded in death by his brothers Leroy, Edgar, Lewis, Milton and Jacob; his sisters Edith Melvin, Ellen Mackey, and Pricilla Bishop, and his grandson Micheal (son of Doug and Brenda).
In accordance with our fathers' wishes, following his cremation a celebration of life will be held on June 10th at Camden-Wyoming Fire house from 12 – 4pm). His wish was to have a his family and friends to come together for a day of remembrance.