William (Bill) Wayne Bishop, 91, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, surrounded by his most loving family. Born February 9, 1934, in Tupelo, Mississippi to the late Samuel David and Annie V "Cox" Bishop. Bill was a loving husband of 65 years to Sally "Mercer" Bishop, devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather.

Bill was a man of deep faith, sharp memory, and rich stories. Though he grew up in poverty during the Great Depression, he never felt poor because his family always had a garden full of vegetables.  He made the most of his youth, becoming known for his mischievous ways and a fierce work ethic. From picking cotton beside his father as a sharecropper, to earning his first quarter working at a movie theater, to working in numerous dairy bars, Bill's early years were defined by grit and resourcefulness.  Bill served in the Air Force in Sioux City, Iowa, where he met Sally Mercer, the love of his life. They married in 1957 and raised seven children together. A self-taught engineer, he was an executive at IBM with a 34-year career. Bill's brilliance in mechanics and problem-solving became legendary, especially when it came to cars. Bill's passion for automobiles was most unwavering.  He found joy in the simple things: ice cream, food, fishing, tools and gadgets, family and friends, and carried a deep need and desire to always lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and particularly family.  He took his role as "the provider" and faithful servant to heart and lived it every day of his life.  His bucket of electrical, plumbing, or car tools were always ready to go. Bill's legacy endures through the family he built with Sally:  his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the countless people he silently helped along the way who tell stories of a life well-lived. He will be remembered for his astonishing memory, sheer determination, ornery sense of humor, selfless acts of kindness, and his devotion to his Catholic faith and family.

In addition to his parents, he was greeted in heaven by his loving wife, Sally Ann Bishop, sisters Earlene Cromwell and Mary Lee Parham, brother Thomas Eugene, and his dear brothers-in-law who he loved as brothers.

Bill "Daddy, Papa" is survived by his son Dave Bishop, daughter Fran Bishop, son Tim Bishop (Denise), daughter Juli (David) Shook, son Chris (Angie) Bishop, son Andy Bishop and daughter Michelle (Michael) Romaniello.  He was also Papa to 17 grandchildren and many grand-spouses, and seven great grandchildren. The total extended family is well beyond 40.

A Memorial Mass will be held on April 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm, at the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration in Marietta, GA. A short reception to follow in the Transfiguration Family Life Center.  A private family interment will take place in Tullahoma, TN.