Truitt Wade Bishop

Truitt Wade Bishop, 80, of Fairlie, Texas, died peacefully in Commerce the morning of August 19, 2009.

He was born in Pecan Gap on September 13, 1928.

He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend.

Truitt is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Maudine Bishop. Married July 12, 1947, in Commerce, Texas, they spent 62 wonderful years together. Their unconditional love and devotion for one another, was evident to anyone who came in contact with them.

Mr. Bishop is also survived by two sons: Ronnie Bishop and wife Lois of Mesa, Arizona, and Ken Bishop and wife Susan of Fairlie, Texas; his daughter-in-law, Sharon Bishop of Greenville; his grandchildren: Jared Bishop of Greenville, Courtney Bishop-Kulcak and husband Thomas of Plano, Brittney Bishop of San Antonio and Chase Bishop of Greenville. He was also survived by his sister, Maurine Newell of Dallas; his brother-in-laws Roy Louis White of Campbell and Joe Jorden of Winnesboro, plus many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wyatt and Vera Bishop; his brothers: Richard, Oris, Edwin; and his sisters: Ida Mae Jordan and Juanita Gouch.

Truitt attended Fairlie schools and East Texas State University. He worked at the A&P Grocery store in Commerce until he was called to the military. From 1952 to 1954, Truitt served the United States Army as a Corporal. Following his military service, he went to work for the Sunshine Biscuit Company and retired, after 28 years, in 1989. He was a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Texas #439 and was always continually willing to serve community and friends.

After his retirement, Truitt and Maudine enjoyed camping, traveling, farming, and spending time with family and friends. Truitt's woodshop was his favorite leisure time activity. He enjoyed building furniture, knick knacks and even reconstructed a miniature version of the town of Fairlie that was displayed at the Commerce Public Library and the Fairlie Community Center. He shared his love of wood working with his grandchildren where he assisted them in building trucks, bird houses, doll beds, etc.... All of his creations will be cherished forever by all of his family and friends.

Truitt was loved by many and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Everything Truitt did he did with love for all of those that he came in contact with.

Pallbearers will be Lewis Swinson, John McKibben, Second McQuery, Ben Cross, all of Fairlie; Oscar Walker of Duncanville; Jim Rogers of Athens and Rex Gentry of Farmers Branch.

The family would like to thank the Greenville and Commerce hospitals; and, the doctors, nurses and staff for taking exceptional care of Mr. Bishop during his long term illness and many hospital visits.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jones-Walker & Son Funeral Home in Commerce.

The funeral service will be conducted Friday, August 21st at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of Christ located on Culver Street in Commerce, Texas, with Masonic burial rites following at Sonora Cemetery in Fairlie.

In lieu of usual remembrances, memorials may be made to the Commerce Church of Christ, 1900 Culver Street, Commerce, TX, 75428.