April 4, 1928 ~ December 19, 2019
Joe Raleigh Bishop passed very peacefully to his true home Thursday December 19, 2019. He was born on April 4, 1928 to Myrtle (Duckworth) and Van Smith Bishop in Fort Myers, FL. He lived most of his life on Long Island, NY and came to join his daughters in Agra in 2015.
Joe became a Christian in 1976 and he joined Agra First Baptist Church (AFBC) when he came to town. He was an active member and he often remarked that he loved learning from all while he basked in the care and loving kindness of the AFBC family. We will miss his curiosity and his contributions to Bible studies and Sunday school.
Joe worked most of his life as a plumber and auto mechanic; he was the mechanical genius and operating partner in TVR Cars of America, which imported and raced TVRs from 1967 to 1980. He was recognized for his expertise and ingenuity by “Auto Week” magazine in January 1996.
Joe’s true passions included bird watching and gardening and he took charge of caring for our chickens and driving the tractor up until the week before his passing.
He is survived by his daughters Eileen VanSteenwyk and Deidre Bishop of the home; Karen Bishop-Powers (Steven) of NY; Deborah Bishop-Anderson (Doug) of CO; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; three stepchildren including Wayne Bartels of MD; and cousin Carl Lutes in IL.
The Bishop family wishes to thank Physicians Choice Hospice who professionally and compassionately helped us through this difficult process.