Eugene Warren Bishop was born March 11, 1936 to the late Oscar J. and Sarah A. (Bond) Bishop in Havre de Grace Maryland. He departed this life Thursday May 15, 2014 at Harford Memorial Hospital.

Gene or Sonny as he was affectionately known received his early education in the one room school house on Gravel Hill, the Havre de Grace colored school on Alliance /Stokes Street and later graduated from Havre de Grace Consolidated High School. He was united in holy matrimony to Grace E. Lewis on June 20, 1958.

He worked as a mechanic at the Level Garage and Wilson Motors in Aberdeen. Upon completion of his auto mechanics certification for the Chrysler Corporation in Newark Delaware, Gene became the first black head mechanic for a drag racing team in 1960 and was featured in the national auto magazine Mopar. Through this gift he was able to open a garage fueling station in Street Maryland in the 1970’s. Gene has worked for Peach Bottom Power Plant, Harford County Public Schools, Oak Grove Baptist Church and Forest Hill Health Center.

From an early age Gene loved to sing. As a child he traveled with the gospel quartet group The Silvertones and later inspired to sing as the Sensational Silvertones. Gene sang with The Bethlehem Travelers, the Little Wonders, the Gospel Comforters, the Lily of the Valley Chorus and the Gospel Travelers. He was one of the original members of the Harford (York) County Male Chorus with over fifty years of devoted service. As a lifelong member of St James AME Church Gravel Hill he faithfully served on various boards, committees and auxiliaries.

Eugene was a caring person, brother, father, uncle, mentor and friend who always enjoyed “get-togethers”. After a day along a waterside, Gene, the cigar and his loving wife, the avid fishing team, were known for impromptu cookouts. All were welcomed. Among Gene’s various achievements are honors and citations from Churches, Harford County Public Schools and the City of Havre de Grace to name a few.

Eugene leaves to cherish his memory; a devoted wife, Grace E. Bishop of Aberdeen, MD; sons David of Orlando FL, Brian(Traci) of Wilmington, DE, Chris of Aberdeen, MD, Warren Leath of Aberdeen, MD; Sisters Geraldine Hague of NC, Gracie Bond of Aberdeen, MD and Dorothy Hall of MD; brother Albert Bishop of GA; three grandsons; four granddaughters; six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents; Oscar and Sarah, sisters Celeste, Alberta, Acina, Hortence, brothers; Oscar Jr., Paul, George, Ronald and granddaughter Tia.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/eugene-bishop/obituary/

Copy