Bishop, Jr., Worley Samuel
Whether you called him Skip, Dad, Papa, or Coach, he was the best of us. Worley Samuel Bishop, Jr. came into this world on October 14, 1940, in Kingsport, TN and passed away September 07, 2024.
Born a natural athlete, Skip excelled at playing baseball, basketball, and golf, and later coaching. A few of his many accolades he earned during his 35 year coaching tenure include: Floyd County Basketball- State Runner Up, 1987; FCHS Golf State Champions- 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007; District Golf Coach of the Year six times; District Baseball Coach of the Year four times; State Basketball Coach of the Year 1985; Timberland Golf Coach of the Year four times. He taught at Floyd County High School, in Floyd VA, and St. John’s Indian School in Laveen, AZ. He cared deeply for the students and athletes he taught, following them and encouraging them throughout their lives.
Skip had a big heart for Floyd, Virginia, and he served the town he called home as Mayor for nearly two decades. He took this role very seriously, and he made great strides to make Floyd a vibrant, thriving community.
Skip’s greatest love was his family. To know him as Dad or Papa was the greatest privilege.
One sunny summer afternoon in Floyd, he chuckled as his great grandchildren ran around playing in the backyard. “Just think,” he said. “This all started because I spotted a beautiful freshman getting off the bus at Tusculum.”
He married that beautiful girl, Martha Ann Bass Bishop, and they shared 59 years, two children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren together.
Skip is preceded in death by his father, Worley S. “Sam” Bishop, Sr., his mother Estella “Jackie” Bishop, his granddaughter, Sawyer Lynn Smith, and many beloved cousins and friends.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Marty, daughter Sandra “Sandi” Bishop Smith, son Michael “Mike” (Jessica) Bishop, grandchildren Stefan “Sam” (Michaela) Bishop, Sydney Smith, Joel “Max” (Hailey) Bishop and Sloan Smith, great grandchildren Sofia, Daisy, Killian, Echo, Revan and Fox Bishop, his dearly loved sister, Loretta (Jack) Bishop Hicks, and many family and friends he loved so much.
Skip was larger than life. He was a man who chose his words, who thought before he spoke, and made calm and thoughtful choices. Saturday, he chose Eternity and although our hearts ache as we miss him terribly, we look forward to seeing him again one day.
The family will receive friends Saturday Sept. 14, 2024, from 12 noon until 2 PM at Gardner Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life to follow.
In Lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Medical Charities of Floyd, 100 E. Main St. Room 108, Floyd, VA 24091 or a local Charity of your choice.
