Mr. Curtis Nathaniel Bishop Jr's Obituary
Curtis Nathaniel Bishop Jr., affectionately known as a friend, a father, a husband, and a hero, passed away on May 22, 2025, after courageously battling complications from a medical emergency that occurred on February 16, 2025. He was 73 years old. Curtis was surrounded by his loving family when he entered eternal rest, a testament to the love and devotion that marked his life.
Curtis was born on December 2, 1951, in McKinney, Texas, to Curtis Bishop Sr. and Perthia Bishop. Raised in Lewisville, Texas, he made an indelible mark as a standout athlete at Lewisville High School, where he graduated in 1970. His natural charisma and athleticism earned him respect among his peers and left a lasting legacy in the community. After high school, Curtis attended Brookhaven College before answering a greater call to serve his country.
At an early age, Curtis accepted Christ and began his spiritual journey. For many years, he was a faithful member of Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Lewisville, Texas, where he served as a deacon. Though he was not actively attending Solid Rock at the time of his passing, it remained his spiritual home and the church where he raised his children and worshipped for many years.
Curtis enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served as a Combat Engineer a role that suited his determined spirit and strong work ethic. His military service was a defining chapter of his life, and he often spoke with pride about the lessons he learned and the brothers he gained along the way. Curtis rose through the ranks to become a respected Drill Sergeant, where his commanding presence, larger-than-life personality, and sharp eye for detail shaped countless young soldiers. He took pride in his duty to mold men into disciplined, focused, and honorable servicemen. His time in uniform was not just a job it was a mission, and he carried the values of the Army with him for the rest of his life. During his service, Curtis was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, a recognition of his honorable service to the nation during a time of conflict.
As a young man in high school, Curtis became a father to his oldest son, Nathan Brewer. Though fatherhood came early and brought challenges, he never wavered in his love, responsibility, and commitment to Nathan. Curtis often reflected on that season of life with honesty and pride—pride in his growth, in the bond they built, and in the man Nathan became.
In 1977, Curtis married the love of his life, Ruby Joyce, whom he affectionately called his “pretty lady.” Their union spanned 48 beautiful and enduring years. Together, they raised three children: Katrina, lovingly called “Chocolate Chip,” Curtis III, his beloved “Bub,” and Joycelynn, his treasured “Little Mama.” Their marriage, though not perfect, was rooted in deep love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to one another. Through every trial and triumph, they remained each other’s rock.
Curtis was a hardworking man, dedicated to providing for his family and serving his community. He worked for many years at the City of Lewisville Wastewater Plant until his retirement. But he did not remain idle. Following retirement, he worked for Lewisville ISD Transportation as a school bus driver and at Lewisville Car Care performing state inspections. At the time of his passing, he was a proud and valued employee of Encore Wire, where he had worked for 18 years. Curtis could often be seen “riding around on that floor sweeper,” as the family liked to joke, because he never seemed to work too hard just hard enough to keep folks smiling.
A jack-of-all-trades and master of many, Curtis was an accomplished mechanic and a natural storyteller. If you heard a story from Curtis, you likely heard it more than once and never quite the same way twice. His voice carried across a room, his smile could light one up, and his presence could never be missed.
Curtis loved good meals, especially breakfast his favorite meal of the day and he cherished his wife’s homemade biscuits. He enjoyed “going up the street,” as he called it, to the casino, and most of all, he loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Sr. and Perthia Bishop; his brother, Randall Glen Bishop; his son, Curtis Nathaniel Bishop III; his godson, Keonte Johnson; and his best friend, Lawrence Johnson.
Curtis leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Ruby Bishop; his children Nathan (Sharon) Brewer, Katrina Bishop, and Joycelynn Bishop (James) Jeffrey; siblings Ellen (Ted) Walls, Joe (Debra) Bishop, and James (Lisa) Bishop; grandchildren Jerome Lawson, Amber Brewer, Jaedyn Kirvin, Jaeli Jeffrey, Brayden Brewer, Josiah Jeffrey, and Joysi Jeffrey; great-grandchildren Jamarion Lawson and Ariyah Jackson; godchildren Deb Johnson, Dianic Harris, and Travis Johnson; close friend Gloria Johnson; and a host of cherished family members, friends, and those who knew him as a father figure.
Curtis Bishop Jr. was a man full of life, laughter, and love. He fought hard during his final months with courage and dignity. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the love he gave, and the stories he told loudly, proudly, and with joy. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever with honor.
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