Johnny Bishop

November 8, 2024

WBBJ Staff,

Johnny Bishop
1931 – 2024

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.
Visitation for Mr. Bishop will be from 12 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12,
2024, at Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville, with funeral services at 2
p.m., officiated by Bro. Mickey Cossar. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery
in the District 15 Community. A meal and fellowship will be held at Mt. Olive
Baptist Church afterward in remembrance of Johnny.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are 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.