Thomas Franklin Bishop, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Sunday School teacher, and Community Leader, 1943-2025
It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude that we announce the passing of Thomas (Tom) Bishop, a highly esteemed member of the Patrick County community, on January 9, 2025 at the age of 81, Tom lived a full and impactful life, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and neighbors.
Born on February 25,1943 in Caretta, West Virginia, Tom was a pillar of strength and inspiration to those who had the privilege of knowing him. After completion of his college education at WV State College and West Virginia University Tom began his career in Charleston, WV at Union Carbide. Tom mainly worked at Union Carbide’s Tech Center in South Charleston but also traveled extensively in his various roles of project management and team leadership in accounting for this international corporation for 30 years (from June, 1966 – June, 1997). When Tom retired, he and his wife, Connie moved to Patrick County, VA to find land to build their dream home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tom worked as General Manager for Brintle Enterprises Inc. in Mt Airy, NC from June, 2000-April, 2005. Following this, for the next 7 years semi-retired, Tom was the Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce from January, 2005-March 31, 2013 where he managed two visitor centers, promoted local businesses, and promoted tourism all over Patrick County.
Outside of his professional life, Tom was passionately involved in church and community groups as a leader and volunteer. In recent years, Tom was a strong leader with the Jeb Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust and fulfilled various Board Member roles for the Red Bank Ruritan Club. He most recently received the President’s Award for 2024 from the Red Bank Ruritan Club. Tom was known for his hand-crafted bird houses and was a weekly vendor and promoter of the Farmer’s Market of Stuart, Virginia. Tom served as the Adult Sunday School Class teacher and Men’s Fellowship Leader at Mountain View Pentecostal Holiness church in Claudville, Virginia.
Throughout his life, Tom lived for God and people. Tom served on church boards, the Miracle Acres Housing Corporation, taught Sunday School his entire adult life to his last Sunday present in church, evangelized, and even drove the church van to pick up children from a nearby housing project to bring them to church. Tom is loved and remembered by all those who came to know him as Tom never met a stranger. Tom received numerous accolades for his contributions, but his greatest reward was the love and respect of those he served. Whether through the River Run fundraiser, annual Civil War Encampment and Living History Weekend at Jeb Stuart’s Birthplace, Stuart Farmer’s Market promoter, men’s mentor at church, and loyal friend to many, Tom exemplified the values of integrity, compassion, and selflessness.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather Tom cherished his family above all else. If you knew Tom – you knew his beloved wife, daughters, sons in law, and grandsons. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie Wylie Bishop of the home, daughters: Lisa and husband Chuck Allen of Stuart, VA, Lena and husband Tony West of Coats, NC, grandchildren: Luke West and his fiancé Kylee Cowart and John West all three college students at Liberty University, and Matthew Allen college student of Emmanuel University, and Tom’s oldest brother, Herman and wife Carmen Bishop of Albuquerque, New Mexico and many additional loving relatives. He was preceded in death by parents Barzy and Essie Bishop, longtime residents of Claudville, Va and his brother Vernon Bishop of Lake Toxaway, NC.
A celebration of Tom’s extraordinary life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Pentecostal Holiness Church, 497 Hatchers Chapel Road, Claudville, Virginia. Family and friends are invited to attend and honor the legacy of a man who touched so many lives. Family Visitation opportunities will be both 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, January 17, 2025 and 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025 just prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Mountain View Pentecostal Holiness Church, the Red Bank Ruritan Club, and the Jeb Stuart Birthplace Preservation Trust, Inc. reflecting Tom’s passion for God and people by improving communities and building a better America through fellowship, goodwill and community service. Thomas Franklin Bishop will be deeply missed but forever remembered. His light continues to shine in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him
Norris Funeral Services in Stuart is serving the Bishop family
Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
