Lonnie Ray Bishop, Jr.

Lonnie Ray Bishop, Jr., age 35, of Ballinger passed away Friday, June 5, 2009 as a result of a vehicle accident near Ballinger.

He was born December 29, 1973 in Ballinger to Lonnie, Sr. and Addie (Ferguson) Bishop. He moved away from Ballinger for a time but returned to become a husband, father, and businessman. He and Sharon Hurt were married August 22, 1998 in Ballinger. Lonnie was the owner/operator of Bishop Tire Sales and Service in Ballinger. He had been a very active and dedicated member of the Ballinger Volunteer Fire Department since 2000, serving in many capacities, including President in 2004 and Fire Chief in 2007 and 2008. He was given the Firefighter of the Year award in 2003. He was named Firefighter of the Year for the Hill Country Firemen’s Association in 2004 and was currently president of that association. Lonnie had many devoted friends and had earned the respect and appreciation of his family, co-workers, fellow firemen, and the entire community.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Bishop, Sr., and his grandparents, Robert Ferguson, and Wedith and Corene Bishop.

Surviving are his wife, Sharon Bishop, and his children, Caitlin and Riley all of Ballinger; his mother, Addie Kuzenka and her husband, Johnny; sisters, Jennifer Krueger and husband, Larry, and Laura Bishop; a brother, Howard Bishop, all of Gatesville; and grandmother, Mae Ferguson of Ballinger. Also surviving are stepsisters, Sheryl Johnson, Shana Hitchcock, Felisha Hetue; stepbrother, Johnny Kuzenka, Jr.; parents-in-law, Kit and Debra Hurt; brother-in-law, Chris Hurt; sister-in-law, Melissa Hurt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a time of visitation for family and friends Monday June 8, 2009 at Lange Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 9 at the First Baptist Church in Ballinger with Max Pratt, Fire Department Chaplain, officiating. Members of Ballinger Volunteer Fire Department and close friends will serve as pallbearers. Burial will be in Old Runnels Cemetery.