Worley Samuel "Skip" Bishop, Jr.

October 14, 1940 - September 07, 2024

Whether you called him Skip, Dad, Papa, or Coach, he was the best of us. 

Worley Samuel Bishop, Jr. came into this world on October 14, 1940, in Kingsport, TN. Born a natural athlete, Skip excelled at playing baseball, basketball, and golf, and later coaching. A few of his many accolades he earned during his 35 year coaching tenure include: Floyd County Basketball- State Runner Up, 1987; FCHS Golf State Champions- 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007; District Golf Coach of the Year six times; District Baseball Coach of the Year four times; State Basketball Coach of the Year 1985; Timesland Golf Coach of the Year four times. He taught at Floyd County High School, in Floyd VA, and St. John's Indian School in Laveen, AZ. He cared deeply for the students and athletes he taught, following them and encouraging them throughout their lives.

Skip had a big heart for Floyd, Virginia, and he served the town he called home as Mayor for nearly two decades. He took this role very seriously, and he made great strides to make Floyd a vibrant, thriving community. 

Skip's greatest love was his family. To know him as Dad or Papa was the greatest privilege. 

One sunny summer afternoon in Floyd, he chuckled as his great grandchildren ran around playing in the backyard. "Just think," he said. "This all started because I spotted a beautiful freshman getting off the bus at Tusculum." 

He married that beautiful girl, Martha Ann Bass Bishop, and they shared 59 years, two children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren together. 

Skip is preceded in death by his father, Worley S. “Sam” Bishop, Sr., his mother Estella “Jackie” Bishop, his granddaughter, Sawyer Lynn Smith, and many beloved cousins and friends.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Marty, daughter Sandra "Sandi" Bishop Smith, son Michael "Mike" (Jessica) Bishop, grandchildren Stefan "Sam" (Michaela) Bishop, Sydney Smith, Joel "Max" (Hailey) Bishop and Sloan Smith, great grandchildren Sofia, Daisy, Killian, Echo, Revan and Fox Bishop, his dearly loved sister, Loretta (Jack) Bishop Hicks, and many family and friends he loved so much. 

Skip was larger than life. He was a man who chose his words, who thought before he spoke, and made calm and thoughtful choices. Saturday, he chose Eternity and although our hearts ache as we miss him terribly, we look forward to seeing him again one day.

The family will receive friends Saturday Sept. 14, 2024, from 12 noon until 2 PM at Gardner Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life to follow.

In Lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Medical Charities of Floyd, 100 E. Main St. Room 108, Floyd, VA 24091 or a local Charity of your choice.

Skip was a joy to work with for 20 years. I loved watching him throw a tennis ball to knock a volley Ball out of the air when a student was trying to spike. He was a character larger than life. 🙏

My thoughts and prayers are with you, the family of this much loved man. Sending love to each of you.

To know Skip was to love him. My sincerest sympathy to Marty, Sandi, Mike and all the family.

He always had a kind and positive word. Don't make like him anymore. Sorry for the families loss. He will be missed

Coach was a great man and friend. Will miss him.

What a super guy. I enjoyed being coached by Skip. I enjoyed playing basketball and tennis with Coach Bishop. We had some great games/matches playing with Coach Flick and others. He will be missed.

I remember him from Floyd High School. Sorry for your loss. Was a nice and great man.

Sorry for your loss of a great person. Coach Bishop taught me drivers Ed when I was in high school in the early 70's. He would come to deli at Floyd Xpress and get his tomato. We will miss seeing him. May God comfort you during this time of loss.

Marty, we are sad to see the Skipper leave us. But he always had big plans to tackle and I'm sure he's straightening out kinks in heaven. We're sorry to be missing his Celebration of Life event and wish you, Sandy, Mike, and the rest of the family peace in knowing that Skip stepped up in life and did the right things. Bless you all.

Sending prayers of comfort to the entire Bishop family. Skip was a great coach, but an even better man! Scott Surbaugh FCHS ‘76

Skip will always hold a special place in my heart. When I was fresh out of college and a first year teacher at FCHS he helped me through numerous tough days as I was finding my feet as a teacher and coach. Alway available, always sympathetic and always saying the right things even if they were seemingly tough on a new kid. He helped me be a better me and I am eternally grateful. He’ll be alive as long as I am. He will be missed.

Our hearts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Skip was a great person and we always enjoyed spending time with him and the whole family. He will truly be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during the loss of your dear loved one.

I remember Skip Bishop. He was a great person and a great coach. May God Bless the family in this difficult time.

A wonderful man who brought the love of our father to life through stories, laughter and even a tear or two at times. They were best friends while coaching at St. John’s Indian Mission. From heaven, may they both be strategizing the game of life for those still on 🌎 .

Skip's boundless energy was only topped by his great desire to see everyone happily living the best life possible. Floyd was so fortunate that he and Marty landed here. At the same time that he will be missed, he will actually be part of Floyd from now on.

I am so very sad to just learn about Coach Bishop passing. The world lost a wonderful person and great coach. I played American Legion Baseball for Coach Bishop in 1973. I completed against his teams 1973-1976 when I played at Christiansburg High School. He was the best coach I have played for. He was the most gracious coach I ever completed against. Prayers for entire family. Art Price Christiansburg

RIP Coach. Much admiration of your kindness and competitiveness in sports and especially in life

Skip was such a wonderful man! Our sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

So very shocked to hear of his passing. He was a great representation of the best attributes of humanity. So many fond memories of his leadership abilities.Blessings and sympathies to his family.