Benjamin Franklin Bishop, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born in Harrison, Ohio on December 22, 1930, Ben made the greater Cincinnati, Ohio area his home for the majority of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Bishop, Sr. and Ida Sparks Bishop, two sisters, one brother, his first wife, Corene Taylor Bishop, and one great-granddaughter.
A proud patriot, Ben honorably served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 as a crew member on multiple aircraft including the B-29 Superfortress. As a flight engineer, he completed multiple bombing missions during the Korean War earning several decorations and citations including the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and Commendation Ribbon. Ben returned from the Korean War to the Cincinnati area to pursue the greatest passion of his life.
He was an original employee of Joseph Chevrolet from the time of its founding in 1965. Starting as a salesman, he progressed to Vice President and General Manager of the dealership and Executive Vice President of the Joseph Auto Group. He retired after 47 years of service in 2012.
Under his management, Joseph Chevrolet ranked in the top fifty Chevrolet dealerships in the country for many years. Generations of people grew to trust Ben. They also knew right where to find him: the first door on the left.
An office that still bears his name. Known as a sharp dresser and car salesman extraordinaire, Ben treasured spending time with his loved ones over a well-prepared dinner and a great bottle of wine. He also enjoyed driving his beloved Chevy Tahoe on frequent trips to his second home in Arkansas.
Quick witted and rarely outdone, Ben could put anyone at ease and his positive attitude was infectious. People of all ages were drawn to him for his wisdom, humor, can-do attitude, and energy. Ben is survived by his beloved wife of 10 years, Sally Verdier Bishop; along with three step-daughters; Peggy Jones of Lebanon, Ohio, Suson (Tim) Dudley of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Sarah (William) Collie of Benton, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; Christy Ellis, Kimberly Boatright, Lisa Boatright, Brandy Newton, Brett Baglio, Lauren Dudley, and John Baglio; five great-grandchildren; one sister; Lois Fields of DeBary, Florida; and many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and special friends.
Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 13, 2018 at Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home, 129 N. Riverside Dr., Loveland, Ohio 45140. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Max Paul Brain Tumor Fund at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
All memorials to the Max Paul Brain Tumor Fund will be matched by Eddie and Nina Paul.
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