Bishop, Bennie Nelson

Our beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Bennie Nelson Bishop, peacefully departed this life on January 1, 2022. Bennie was the third son of the late William Hiley Bishop and Blanche Celester (Qusenberry) Bishop of Riner, VA. He is preceded by the deaths of his brothers, William (Bill) J. Bishop of Orlando, FL, and Buddy L. Bishop Salem, VA.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his dear wife of 59 years, Florence Farley Bishop; his sons Michael Steven Bishop and Scott Bishop; his granddaughters, Magdalene (Maggie) Suemin Bishop and Sophie Ginyu Bishop. His brothers and sisters-in-law, James Robert (Bob) Bishop, Frances J. Bishop, Basil G. & Peggy Bishop, Carolyn S. Bishop, and Kenneth M. & Mary Bishop. Also, to Cherish Benny’s memory are his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Jane & Bill Richardson, Cora & Gratton Thompson, and Lou Ellen & Freddie Belcher. Also, many loved nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

Bennie was born in his grandfather Jackson Bishop’s home on April 15, 1937 which was located near Camp Carysbrook, VA. The Bishop family soon moved to a home near Old Rough Road in Riner, VA. There Bennie and his brothers spent their early years working very hard on the farmland of Fred Thompson. After graduating from Auburn High School in 1955, Bennie enlisted in the United States Air Force and was transferred to Western Europe. After being honorable discharge, Bennie returned home to Riner, VA and after working at Burlington Industries for a time, he started a 35 plus year career at the old Inland Motors Plant in Radford, VA. Then on August 18, 1962, Bennie married his sweetheart Florence Farley and soon had two sons, Michael (born 1963) and Scott (born 1964). While all of this was happening, Bennie attended night classes at NRCC and graduated with an AA degree.

Bennie loved to be outdoors. Especially when he was hunting and fishing. He was member of the Izaak Walton League, a trap range, and the Christiansburg Hunt Club. He especially enjoyed hunting with his father and his son, Scott, and, when adding in a favorite hunting dog or two, the guys were in heaven.

Bennie took Jehovah’s teachings to heart and witnessed for Him through works. Helping his elderly neighbors, giving away food from his garden, or taking a goody bag to the residents in Heritage Hall. Then, at the age of 72, Bennie began a new chapter in his life. He became a grandfather for the first time. Then 15 months later, he became a grandfather for a second time. It is a lesson for all of us that we never know how and when Jehovah will bless us. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at Horne Funeral Home. Family requests that everyone that attends wears a mask and practices social distancing to ensure everyone stays healthy and safe. A virtual memorial will be provided for those that can’t attend the service beginning at 2:00 pm. A funeral service for those who are able to attend will take place on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm.

A special thanks to Kim Hubbard Wirt for her assistance throughout. Also thanks to Ralph Stewart, Kevin Bishop and Autumn Sheppard.