Ray Ellis Bishop, 91, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, died peacefully in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by his daughters, Mindy and Kendra, and his beloved dog, Ella, on January 14, 2025.
Ray was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, on May 17, 1933, to Henry and Rista (Butler) Bishop. His parents were a hardworking couple. Henry, a migrant laborer, was unable to read due to leaving primary school to work in the oil fields of Texas to support his family after the death of his father, while Rista was a stay-at-home wife/mother with an 8th grade education. The youngest of four siblings, Ray often described himself as a poor country boy, who “did better in life than I could have ever imagined as a child.”
Ray often reflected on hardships of his early childhood, growing up during the Great Depression and World War II. He recalled attending a one-room schoolhouse in Hebron, Illinois for his early elementary years, then moving up into a three-room Bethel South grade school. He went on to graduate from Mt. Vernon High School.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, the GI Bill enabled Ray to pursue a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in mechanical engineering and, later, a graduate degree from Central Michigan University. He was the first in his family to pursue higher education. He shared his passion for reading and education with his children and grandchildren, understanding the benefits they could provide.
Ray began dating Merilou Kay (Williamson) Bishop after returning home to Mt. Vernon from his military service. The two were married at Old Union Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon on June 19, 1960. They later divorced.
They shared two daughters, and Ray loved spending time with his “girls” and helping with his grandchildren. Though Ray had many pets throughout his life, his favorites where his first dog, Butch, then his midlife companion dog Jill; his dog Ella and cat Sam were faithful companions at the end.
Few friendships manage to last a lifetime, but Ray Bishop and Charles “Chuck” Ramsey did so. From elementary school friends to college roommates, best man at Ray’s wedding in Illinois, to faithful friends both working at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, their friendship spanned the decades. Their families shared many meals and memories.
Ray was always an active church member. He became a follower of Jesus Christ in his youth at an “ole camp revival”, and attended West Side Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon. Over the years, he served at the First Baptist Churches in Huber Heights, Enon, Medway, and Kettering, Ohio.
His hobbies varied over the years from being a private pilot, puttering in the garage, working in the yard, to woodcarving, as well as an avid reader of Westerns. He proudly published his memoir, Country Boy’s Journey, and aptly decided to include the phrase “the journey continues” on his grave marker. Above all, his favorite things to do were spending time with his loved ones and helping others.
Quietly living out his deep faith in Jesus Christ, Ray will always be remembered by his family and friends for his unconditionally loving, kind, generous, and thoughtful ways. His quick wit and sense of humor endured even through the challenging last year of his life. Ray’s warm hugs, witty remarks, and listening ear will be missed every day by his family and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Rista (Butler) Bishop, and his three siblings: sister Mamie (Bishop) and brother-in-law Norman Ramsey, sister Hazel (Bishop) Ramsey and brother-in-law Floyd Ramsey, and brother Henry Elmo Bishop.
He is survived by his daughter Mindy (Bishop) Claggett, son-in-law Don Claggett, and grandson Gannon Claggett, as well as daughter Kendra (Bishop) Varner, son-in-law Larry Varner, and grandchildren Drew and his wife Kennedy, Aaron, and Abby Varner. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Ray’s Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Kettering (3939 Swigart Rd., Beavercreek, OH). Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the service at 12 p.m. The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery Dahlgren (2549 County Rd. 2200N, Dahlgren, IL.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Kettering Building Fund or to any Peoples National Bank (c/o Pleasant Hill Cemetery Dahlgren) for grounds maintenance.
Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com