Elmer Wade Bishop

Elmer Wade “Pete” Bishop went to Heaven on Christmas Eve, 2017. A son, a brother, a soldier, a husband, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a friend... Pete touched and influenced the lives of countless souls. He will live in our thoughts and hearts forever. Born on September 27, 1932, in the small coal mining hollow of and Wyco, West Virginia, Pete was the third of five sons of the late Dana and Mamie Bishop. Pete was educated in the hills and mountains of his beloved West Virginia, graduating from Mullins high school before joining the United States Marine Corps. Just days before being shipped from California to the Korean War as a young Marine soldier. Pete married his West Virginia sweet heart, Bonnie June Cook, forming a holy bond that lasted 65 glorious years before June entered the gates of Heaven on December 5, 2015. Pete and June are now reunited in paradise. Pete rose to the rank of Sergeant in the Marine Corps. He never spoke much of his war experience, but a prouder and more grateful Marine could not be found. Upon being discharged from the service. Pete and his bride returned to West Virginia with an infant daughter, Bonnie Elizabeth. Pete supported his family by working in thecoal mines. He also pursued his dream of attending and graduating from college. While working full-time and with help from the G.I bill, Pete graduated from Concord College in Athens, West Virginia, with a degree in accounting and business administration. Pete's professional career landed him jobs with several tire manufacturing companies, primarily B.F. Goodrich. Before launching his career, Pete became the father to his first son, Michael Wade. His professional career initially took him to Ohio, where he and June were blessed with a second son, Steven Wesley. Through professional transfers to Florida and Georgia, Pete rose through the management ranks of B.F Goodrich. Along the way, he and June welcomed their third son, Richard Dana, to the family fold. Pete retired from the tire business and began a second career in golf. Playing golf and working at the golf course, Pete relished being outdoors and becoming friends with other golfers. He maintained many friendships from his job, traveled the world with June and other family members, established a second home in Shady Valley, Tennessee, a home he dearly loved, and did his level best to spoil each and every grandchild. In all, Pete blessed the lives of 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. They are better people for having Pete as their PawPaw. A visitation celebration will be conducted in honor and memory of Pete on Friday, January 5th, 2018 from 6PM until 8PM at Hux & Lipford Funeral Home, in Mountain City, Tennessee. A memorial celebration service will be conducted on Saturday January 6th, 2018 at 10:00 AM at Hux & Lipford.  Due to inclement weather, the graveside service will be conducted at the Hux & Lipford Funeral home. Where Military Honors will be preformed by the Johnson County Honor Guard. Burial will follow at Shady Valley Gardens (Gentry Cemetery) in Shady Valley, Tennessee with military honors accorded by the Johnson County Honor Guard. The celebration of Pete's life will continue after burial at his home in Shady Valley. All are invited to attend each service.Professional services are in the care of Hux & Lipford Funeral Home.