William Earl Bishop

William Earl Bishop, known by family and friends as “Buddy”, passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 72. He was the son of William Bishop & Lottie Bishop née Mixon. 

Buddy was born in a tent, in rural Bibb County Alabama in 1952. The small mining town he was born in, Belle Ellen, no longer exists. His father, William Bishop, worked in the coal mines nearby in Bibb County. When Buddy was about two years old, his father William moved the entire family to California. The San Francisco Bay Area is where Buddy was raised, went to school, and graduated from Menlo Atherton High School in 1970. Buddy’s professional career could be described as a driver, he drove everything! Through the 80’s & 90’s he was a part-time EMT, and mainly a limousine, and airport shuttle bus driver. In the late 90’s Buddy began a 20 year career driving big rig 18 wheel trucks, long & short haul, all without any major accidents. After the passing of Buddy’s parents, in 2006 & 2009, Buddy moved back to Alabama, and took over the family home & land in Chilton County, where he lived until his last day.

Buddy is survived by, his four children: Aisha, Khai, Porscha, and Anthony; seven grand children, two great grand children, and long time girlfriend Betty Wilson, who loved him very much.

Buddy was an energetic guy who greeted everyone with a smile. He had style, He was willing to help others, He had a big voice, and laughed loud and hard. Buddy really had a way of making people feel special. He had lots of friends that he stayed in touch with over the years from California, and friends that would come by and spend time with him locally in Chilton County.

Buddy was a good dad, and a good friend, and an upstanding member of the community. He will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace Dad.

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