Johnny Bishop

John Levi “Johnny” Bishop, age 93, a longtime resident of Somerville, Tennessee, and husband of the late Sarah Earnest Bishop, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday afternoon, November 6, 2024.

Born on July 22, 1931, in Fayette County, Tennessee, Johnny was the son of the late William Homer Bishop and Lela Ressie Rogers Bishop. He attended school in Hardeman County before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy as a coxswain, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal in recognition of his service.

After his time in the Navy, Johnny built a respected career in the manufacturing industry, leading shipping departments with dedication and earning the respect of all who worked with him. Known for his integrity and hard work, Johnny brought a spirit of loyalty and excellence to all he did. In 1959, he married Sarah, the love of his life, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years until her passing in 2017.

Johnny was a faithful member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. A lifelong musician, he loved entertaining others with his guitar and harmonica, and he found joy in the outdoors, especially in his favorite pastime of cutting grass.

He leaves behind his daughter, Kimberly Simpson; three grandchildren, Ashley Rae Burnett (Ed Sargent), Joshua Burnett (Casie), and Joseph Simpson; three granddaughters, Chloe Tynes, Destry Dillard, and Daija Dillard; and five great-great-grandsons. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and parents, his granddaughter Crystal Dillard, and his siblings Euphrey Lee Stainback, Pauline Stainback, Edgar “Son” Bishop, Billy Bishop, Lela Mae Parks, Ruby Parks, Peggy Bishop, and Alford Bishop.

Funeral Services for Mr. Bishop were held at 2 P.M. Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Bro. Mickey Cossar officiating. Interment followed at Mt. Olive Cemetery in the District 15 Community.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were Danny Bishop, Timmy Bishop, Mike Bishop, Dillon Bishop, William Bishop, and Kyle Marlar, with honorary pallbearers Richard Earnest and Kenneth Earnest.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 9590 Jernigan Drive, Somerville, TN 38068.