Joe Bishop

Mr. Roland Lawrence Bishop, better known as Joe, passed on to a land where joy shall never end on Sunday May 5, 2024, at Holston Valley Hospital, surrounded by his family and loved ones. 

“Joe,” as he was affectionately known by family and friends was born September 6, 1935 in Churchville, MD to the late Maggie Ruth Nelson Bishop and Harrison Calvin Bishop. He was employed by Lock Joint Pipe Company and retired after 23 years of service and later returned to the work force employed by Levi Strauss Co. He was a member of Nelson Chapel Baptist Church. He was a faithful and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Harrison Bishop Jr, Dewey Bishop, Garnett Bishop Sr. and Dennis Bishop, two sisters Marie Pugh and Catherine Wilson.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years Mary Bishop, 4 children Mary Jo Black husband Tony, Barry Bishop wife Karen, Frank Bishop wife Lisa and Pam Billiot husband Ron, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Joe was a skilled and talented wood worker and carpenter. He enjoyed boating, gardening and tinkering in his work shop. A devout man of faith, he loved attending church at Nelson Chapel, Little Milligan and most recently Pine Grove Baptist Church. During summers “Capt. Joe” could be found on Watauga Lake piloting his pontoon boat or working in his garden which he tended as late as last summer and fall. Joe was known for his incredible work ethic which took him across the globe in his construction career and then on many church building missions to northern Mexico and around the U.S. Joe was so much to so many, a provider to his family, a friend to

those in need, an inspiration to those who loved him and everything to those he loved. His life and legacy will be one of faith, family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday morning, May 9, 2024 at 11:00 AM, at the Mountain City Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Sam Icenhour officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening May 8, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home.

At other times, friends and family may visit the home, 837 Sandy Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.

The family of Roland L. “Joe” Bishop has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683.