John Bishop

On October 8, 2018, after a beautiful family vacation in Port Aransas, Texas – as his wife, son and daughter-n-law, daughter and son-in-law, and two grandsons all headed home, Mister Fisherman stayed behind to throw out a few last casts on Saint Joe Island…. those would be his last casts here on Earth. He was found lying peacefully on his back, next to his tackle box on the beach, fishing pole in hand with a smile on his face - the Lord had come to take him home. Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at the following location: Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas 76710. The Funeral Service will be held 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 17. There will be a Graveside Burial immediately after the Funeral Service at the following location for anyone who would like to attend: Stanford Chapel Cemetery, 10374 Chapel Road, Lorena, Texas 76655. Pastor Charles Moran from Faith Impact Church in Georgetown, Texas, will officiate. The Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 16. John Bishop was born to Tommy and Patricia Bishop in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 24, 1951, as his parents attended Texas Christian University. His family eventually ended up in Killeen, where he attended Killeen schools with his two brothers, Dale and Bill Bishop, and his sister, Ann Bishop Cockrell. John met the love of his life, Patricia James, while attending Killeen High School and were soon after married. John was an amazing athlete. He threw discus, javelin and played football. John attended college at Texas Christian University on a football scholarship, where he made life-long friendships that flourish to this day. He was a man’s man that loved the outdoors and all things pertaining to fishing. Above all of these things, he loved our Lord Jesus. There was a light that continually shown from his sparkling blue eyes; a light filled with childlike joy and wonder. The kind of joy that can only be found in this life through our Lord Jesus Christ. Along with this, came a profound love for people. There was no request he would not fulfill for someone in need. He was a man of many trades, extremely talented. He spent most of his professional career as a home builder and remodeler, building beautiful homes in Central Texas and beyond. There was nothing he could not fix or create, whether it be with wood or mechanical parts and pieces. Over the past 12 years, he regularly worked side by side with his son, James, and his son-n-law, Matt Byrd, in the construction industry. Our family has remained close in so many aspects, and the time spent together will be treasured in our hearts forever. He spent the last 5 years of his life being “PawPaw” and absolutely doting over his two grandsons, Justin and Wyatt, and that is putting it mildly. Justin and PawPaw made 3 to 4 special calls a day to each other. There were also consistent, almost daily, visits to play a game of checkers or some baseball in the yard. Our last videos of him are the day before his passing, playing patty-cake with Wyatt and making him laugh and smile. It’s hard to determine who was enjoying it more. John’s wife’s family had a tradition of going to Port Aransas every single year for a huge family reunion. He started going with her each year when they began dating. This tradition is something that has continued on for our family. We never miss a trip together to Port Aransas each year. His love of the little fishing town grew into quite a treasure for his soul – as it is in ours as well. God granted him the perfect setting for his passing. What a great, great God we serve. He joins his mom, Patricia Spence Bishop, and his Dad, Tommy Bishop, in Heaven, along with a brother, Jimmy Bishop, and a sister, Lark Bishop, who both passed away at a young age. What a joyous reunion they must have had last Monday! He left behind his wife, Patricia James Bishop; son, James Thomas Bishop and wife, Elizabeth; daughter, Ashley Robin Byrd and husband, Matthew; and two precious grandsons, Wyatt James Bishop and Justin Alexander Byrd. He has also left his brothers, Dale Bishop and Bill Bishop, and his sister, Ann Bishop Cockrell, and all of their families. To say this great man of God will be missed is an absolute understatement. It is only through our Lord Jesus Christ that we can smile and go on here without him. Please pray for our family to continue on in the “peace of God that surpasses all understanding” Philippians 4:6. Until we meet again, Daddy…. We all thank you. Thank you so, so much for everything. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.