Grinelle Edward Bishop Jr.

Grinelle Edward Bishop Jr, devoted and beloved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, left this life Saturday, December 17, 2022, with his life-long love, wife and best friend, Beth, by his side. He was 63. Edward (Ed) was born in Quincy, Florida on October 28, 1959 to his much loved parents, Grinelle E. (Sonny) and Colleen Bishop, their long-awaited son, their second child after seven years of hope and faith. Serendipity brought Ed and Beth together in Tallahassee, FL one evening when he saw her with friends at a restaurant. He always said, “It was love at first sight”, a love that continued unbroken and unshaken for almost 28 years. Ed was a man of great love and faith. He was larger than life – a big man, sometimes called “Big Ed”, with a welcoming charm and personality, and a ready wit and laugh that drew people to him. He loved his family completely and unconditionally. He was an active presence in the lives of his two children in every way: listening, caring, encouraging, supporting, and correcting when needed. His love for his wife, Beth, daughter, Ashlyn and son, Drake was exceptional, as was his love for his Mom and Dad. Ed believed in the best of his children, and lovingly, often with infectious laughter, shared stories from his childhood and family history with wisdom and a lesson in humanity. Ed loved life, people, animals, music, sports, and an old jeep named “Safari”. He told stories about life, with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. His voice and demeanor changed when he was with children and animals, a gentle, soft spoken man appeared. He loved to sing and as a child began to share his wonderful voice, singing in choirs at the First Baptist Church in Quincy where he was baptized and joined his family in services weekly. He played the guitar and played it well, a member of a country band in Gadsden County as a young man. Ed played softball as a child and joined his Dad in winning numerous fast pitch softball games and tournaments until his Dad retired from the game at age 65. Safari was part of Ed – his jeep, part of his dream and unquenchable spirit. Ed served the citizens of the State of Florida for 41 years, first as a police officer and firefighter in the Quincy Department of Public Safety, and then as a Legislative Analyst/Aide in the House of Representatives. He joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement in 1991 and found his career home there as a Legislative Analyst. Ed was well known for his knowledge and expertise, as well as his honesty and integrity – dependable and honorable. Ed, Edward, loving husband, Dad, son, brother, and uncle is and will be sorely missed. Our Lord welcomed him home and his Mama met him again, her baby boy. He is in our hearts, minds and lives and we will see him once again with joy when that time comes. “And now abide faith, hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” (1Corinthians 13:13) Ed is survived by his wife, Beth Bishop, his daughter, Ashlyn Bishop, his son, Drake Bishop, his Dad, Grinelle (Sonny) Bishop, his sister, Connie Bishop-Reinhardt (William, “Bill”) and nephews, Spencer Reinhardt (Vlada) and Bailey Reinhardt (Allison). He is also survived and loved by a great host of cousins and close friends. Services will be held on December 29, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Rd, in Tallahassee with Candace McKibben officiating. The family will receive visitors immediately following the services. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Bishop family with their arrangements.

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Grinelle Edward Bishop Jr.

October 28, 1959 - December 17, 2022