Obituary of Lanier Jefferson "Jeff" Bishop Jr.

Captain Lanier Jefferson “Jeff” Bishop, Jr. (United States Army) passed away peacefully at home in Abbeville, Alabama, on the morning of May 5, 2025, at the age of 80. His life was one of faith, service, and impact—worthy of celebration. A Celebration of Life will be held for Captain Bishop 3:00 P.M. Sunday, May 18, 2025, from Calvary Baptist Church in Abbeville with Reverend Wayne Earnest, Senior Pastor of FBC Fort Ogden, FL along with Wilson Ramsey, pastoral assistant at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Military honors will be presented after the service followed by a special flyby from the Friends of Army Aviation in Ozark. The family will receive friends in the church for one hour prior to service time. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com He was preceded in death by his parents, Eva Parrish Bishop Fitch (Bill) of Albany, GA, and Lanier Jefferson Bishop, Sr. (Katherine) of Dothan, AL. Jeff is survived by his wife, Cindy Linden Bishop of Abbeville, AL; daughters Cindi Bishop Ramsey (Michael) of Dothan, AL, and Lisa Bishop Currie (Eddie) of Salem, OR; stepchildren Marcus Paul Faye (Sarah) of Headland, AL, and Mara Lee Floyd (Lane) of McDonough, GA. He is also survived by his sisters Patricia Bishop Savelle of Albany, GA, and Nancy Bishop Ponder (Gene) of Bainbridge, GA and Marilyn Bishop, the mother of his daughters. Jeff was a proud and devoted grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Rebecca Lanier Ramsey (Richard Chastain), Wilson James Ramsey (Eunice), Sara Elisabeth Rowell (Tate), Lauren Margaret Fowler (Jake Lewis), Caroline Elisabeth Fowler (Hunter Evangelista), Katherine Emilie Fowler (Alec Winder), Mary Helen Fowler (Marcus Morgan), Lillian Brooke Fowler, Emily Currie (Elijah Moran), Katherine Currie (Luke Urban), Westin Faye, Parker Floyd, Harrison Floyd, and Ripley Floyd. He also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews Susan Savelle Mathis (Steven), Judson Savelle (Jenny), Joseph Brent Martin (Jana), James Lanier Martin, Paul Joiner III (Julie) and Bret Joiner (Rachel), along with their children. Raised during an era shaped by the Great Depression and WWII, Jeff learned early the values of perseverance, enterprise, and service. He developed a strong work ethic by sweeping floors and washing trucks at his father's business for ten cents an hour. After graduating from Elmwood Park High School in Chicago, where he was co-captain of the swim team, Jeff earned a business degree from the University of Georgia. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1968–1971. A Distinguished Military Graduate from North Georgia Military College, Jeff also earned the honor of Outstanding Cadet at Fort Bragg and completed both Army and Ranger School at Fort Benning. He began overseas service in Germany, where he trained in tank gunnery and served on the General’s Staff. Jeff later trained as a helicopter pilot and flew Hueys in Vietnam with the 158th Aviation Helicopter Battalion, Alpha Company (“Ghost Riders”), where he also served as an instructor pilot. His military honors include two U.S. Army Commendation Medals, eleven Combat Air Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Silver Star. His service reflected John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jeff returned to civilian life in 1971, joining the family carpet and upholstery cleaning business in Albany, GA. In 1974 he and Marilyn moved to Dothan, AL and founded Bishop Clean Care (1974). From such small beginnings came Clean Care Seminars (1977), and ProMaster (1992). The Bishop home often welcomed guests from across the country and around the world who came to learn about carpet cleaning but left having experienced genuine Southern hospitality. Jeff’s professional legacy reached far beyond Dothan. As a founding voice in the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), Jeff helped shape standards and practices still in place today. He authored training manuals, developed educational programs, and conducted seminars that elevated the industry. Jeff believed deeply in excellence, integrity, and mentorship—principles he lived out in every business interaction. As he often said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” Yet Jeff’s most transformative experience came through his faith in Jesus Christ. This personal relationship shaped the remainder of his life. He became a student of Scripture, engaging in deep Bible study, mentoring others, and bringing spiritual conversations into everyday moments. Whether at church, in business, or in casual conversation, Jeff sought to reflect the love and truth of Christ to everyone he met. In retirement, Jeff and Cindy split their time between Abbeville, AL, and Riverside RV Resort in Arcadia, FL. They formed meaningful friendships at both Calvary Baptist Church in Abbeville and First Baptist Church of Fort Ogden, FL. Jeff volunteered with Friends of Army Aviation in Ozark, AL, assisting with community helicopter rides and supporting aviation history and education. Known for his sharp wit and love of storytelling, Jeff made a lasting impression wherever he went. His Tuesday morning announcements at Riverside always ended with a “true story,” delivering humor with heart and often laughter through tears. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jeff’s memory to one of the following organizations: • Calvary Baptist Church, Abbeville, AL • Friends of Army Aviation, Ozark, AL • Wiregrass Hope Pregnancy Center, Dothan, AL • Gator Wilderness Camp, Punta Gorda, FL The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who lovingly cared for Jeff during his time in hospice: Carol Retzer, Mara Floyd; the staff of Gentiva Hospice; and Hearts and Hands Caregiving Services of Dothan. For additional articles about Jeff’s legacy, or to donate directly in his memory, please visit: linktr.ee/ljbishop