Ralph Raymond Bishop

Born at the Stork’s Nest in Phoenix, AZ, January 5, 1940, Ralph passed away on Nov. 27, 2010, at the age of 70 from metastatic lung cancer at home in the arms of his loving wife, Judith. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles W. Bishop and M. Louise Bishop, and his only brother Charles R. Bishop.

Ralph served in the Army from 1963-1965 and returned to Tucson. He spent the rest of his life in the automobile business starting with Pueblo Ford and the next 19 years employed by Jim Click Ford and Holmes Tuttle Ford as Used Car Manager, repeatedly setting monthly sales records. In later years he worked as Used Car Manager for O’Reilly Chevrolet before opening his own retail used car sales dealership and then his own wholesale dealership of Bishop & Bishop Automotive Consultants, Inc. In recent years his sales focus was wholesaling recreational vehicles.

Ralph’s passion was trapshooting, hunting, and fishing. He was a life long member of Tucson Trap & Skeet Club where he shot registered events as a AA Shooter, breaking 98 targets out of 100 on an average. As a hobby he tooled leather and created many keepsakes for family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years and soul mate, Judith; daughters Stephanie (Michael) Nathe of Tucson, Stacey (Jeff) Hack of Illinois, son & hunting buddy Ralph B. Bishop, brother-in-law Rick Green, his favorite nephew David (Martha) Bishop, and grandchildren Ben Nathe, Paul (Tessa) Nathe, Alexandra Nathe, Heather Hack, Brandon Hack and many friends. He will be remembered for his cowboy hats, a strong & honest work ethic, a strong hand shake, a booming voice and a ready smile. The family sends a special thank you to Jim Click for acknowledging Ralph’s accomplishments. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Desert Hope Lutheran Church, 6422 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ. 85710. Arrangements by EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY 5801 E. Grant Rd., viewing will begin at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 1, with funeral to at 11:00 AM followed by burial service at East Lawn Cemetery.