Billy R. Bishop
At 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024, Billy R. Bishop passed away with his wife, Lynda Bishop; his daughter, Kathie Truitt, and his granddaughter, Rachael Tapper by his side. Bill declared, "I'm ready" before a peaceful passing.
Bill was born January 8, 1942, in Sheldon, MO to Drexie (Bright) and Charles Bishop. He grew up in Mesa, AZ and later moved to El Dorado Springs where he graduated in 1960.
He spent six years with the U.S. Navy, beginning with basic training in San Diego, CA. He later boarded the USS Duncan and home ported in Yokosuka, Japan for two years. He took immense pride in his years in the military. During the Vietnam era the ship patrolled the Tonkin Gulf and the South China Sea.
Bill was a member of the Nevada Elks, the VFW Post #257 where he proudly served as an Honor Guard, the Eagles, the Cedar-Vernon Co Genealogy, and the American Legion. He was a long-time member of the Church of Christ where he served as a deacon before his health declined. Through the DMV he signed to be a tissue and bone donor, as well as a cornea donor.
Bill leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Lynda Huckaby Bishop; his daughter, Kathie Truitt and son-in-law, Jay, Dallas, TX; his son, Chuck Bishop, Nevada, MO; his grandchildren, Rachael Tapper and husband, Dino, Breckenridge, CO; grandson William Truitt and wife, Gabriela, Alexandria, VA and five great grandchildren: Sophia Tapper, Jay Tapper, Max Tapper, Jason Truitt and Maya Truitt. Bill's grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him the greatest joy. He readily included Dino Tapper and Gabriela Denise Truitt as his grandchildren when they married into the family. He also included his "Myers girls", Linda Myers, Teresa Myers and Sarah Myers Fotopoulos and Steve and Sherry Wiseman as part of his family.
He is predeceased by his parents, and grandson, Jayson Charles Truitt
A funeral service for Billy Bishop will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Clintonville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.