Guy C. Bishop Jr.

Longtime educator, musician, and community leader passed away May 11 at Hospice of Dayton following a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, uncle, teacher, and friend to many. He was born in Centerburg, OH on March 16, 1928 and was preceded in death by his parents, Grace M. (McLaughlin) and Guy Clayton, and his sister Natalie Bishop Klingler Cameron. He graduated from Otterbein College in 1949 with a BA and from Miami University in 1959 with a MA in Education. He retired from the Vandalia Butler school system after 30 years of service in 1979. He began his teaching career in Plymouth, OH in 1949, teaching Junior High English. The majority of his career was in the Vandalia Butler school system, first as a teacher at Morton Junior High, then as Principal of Demmitt Elementary. He was a beloved teacher and principal, educating thousands of students over the span of his career, including weekly sing-alongs at Demmit Elementary with him at the piano. He was committed to preserving the old time musical styles and tunes, primarily Ragtime, and passing them along to his students. He served as a Sergeant in the US Army in Korea from September 1950 to 1952, where he worked primarily as a Public Information Officer. He was on the ground at the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge and covered it for the AP. He provided the name Heartbreak Ridge to the AP, although he never sought credit for naming it. He married the love of his life, JoAnn Vanscoy on January 5, 1951. They had two children, Jill Lenore and Jeffrey Clayton. He was a Charter member of the Vandalia Lions Club, joining in 1955, and serving in many positions, including President. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was also a member of the Presidents Club of Dayton and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1991. He was Grand Marshal of the Dayton Air Show Parade in 2010. He was an avid runner and cyclist and entered numerous running competitions and marathons. He twice entered the World Championship Olde Time Piano Contest, and as a result of his experience, was featured on the cover of Sheet Music Magazine in 1985. He played piano bars and restaurants in the late 50's/early 60's and was a fixture at Paddy's in Tipp City for over 15 years. He was the consummate entertainer and was known for his sparkling wit and wry sense of humor. He touched many lives, and served his community through his music and volunteer work. His high school yearbook said this about Guy: One Half Work, One Half Play, Guy Was a Friend to All. Guy is survived by wife JoAnn, daughter Jill and son Jeff, former daughter in law Sherie Bishop, beloved sister in law Lee Stotski, special nephew Michael Klingler, special niece Lin Klingler Krecow, and numerous dear nieces and nephews in Columbus, OH, Columbus, Georgia, and Florida. The family will receive friends from 11:30 - 1pm, Friday, May 16 at the Vandalia United Methodist Church, 200 S. Dixie Dr. The service will take place at 1pm. Burial Poplar Hill in Vandalia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vandalia Methodist Church or Wounded Warrior Project. Envelopes available at the church. Condolences may be left at ww.mortonwhetstonefh.com. Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.