Clarence Bishop

Clarence Wesley Bishop, age 89, passed away Sunday, 12th of December 2010 in Bay Minette, AL. Clarence was born in Cullman, AL on February 27, 1921 to James Gordon and Claudie Elizabeth (Rakestraw) Bishop. Clarence was the only child born to his mom, and was the youngest of seven children fathered by his dad, all of whom preceded him in death. Clarence is preceded in death by his father, James Gordon; mother Claudie Elizabeth; sisters, Bessie Bishop, Mattie E., and Eula Myrtie; brothers Joseph Ollie, Pleasant L., and Edgar Bishop; and just recently, six months to the day, his loving wife of 62 years, Gertrude (Davis) Bishop. He is survived by his two adopted children, William Mell Godwin (June) and Barbara Ann Godwin Truitt (Travis); grandchildren, Wes Truitt (Pattie), Tracy Chesnutt (Andy), Ginger Cornelius (Keith), Pennie Pyle (Jimmy); brother-in-law, Charlie Mac Fondren (Judy); niece, Kelly Fondren; nephew, James Allen Davis; 11 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and two great nephews. Clarence was born and raised in Berlin, just outside of Cullman, AL where he attended grade school until the eighth grade. He joined the US Army in 1941 and became a member of the 101st Airborne, where he was a machine gunner and served in France and England until receiving an honorable discharge at the end of the war. Clarence Wesley Bishop was awarded the European Campaign Medal with bronze star for participation in Normandy 6 June 1944 - 24 July 1944, the American Campaign Medal, the American Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After the war, Clarence moved to Birmingham, enrolled into art school and completed a Dale Carnegie sales course and went into the advertising sign business. Clarence met Gertrude (Davis) Godwin and they were married in 1948. They resided in the Avondale area of Birmingham until 1977, and then built a home off Old Leeds Rd near East Mountain Brook, where he resided until November 2010. Together they owned and operated Bishop Advertising Sign, Inc., located originally near the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center, and recently off Oporto Rd, for over 50 years. For many years if you saw a bread truck, delivery truck, tractor trailer, or emergency vehicle with a sign or company logo on it in the Birmingham area, chances were it was made at Bishop Advertising Sign. Clarence enjoyed spending his free time painting with pastels and charcoals, weekends at the lake, listening to classical music, walks on the beach, and making memories with his family. The family would like to express their love and appreciation to Tammy Kyser a close personal friend and house keeper, and the many caregivers that took care of him for the past 4 years, especially Charlotte Paige, Ms. Brenda, and Ms. Jackie. Visitation will be Thursday December 16, 2010 at 11am followed by service in the chapel at noon at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, AL. A graveside service will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Minister Bobby Erwin from Trussville First Baptist will be presiding.