Jerry Lee "Pop" Bishop

1937 - 2025

Jerry Lee "Pop" Bishop passed away at home in Harrietts Bluff, Georgia June 22, 2025. He died peacefully in his sleep with his wife, Lucy Patricia Pruett "PatPat" Bishop, at his side.
The last 15 years, dementia took his life on a pathway that was a tragic part of not only his life, but the lives of his family and friends. Pop entered the gates of heaven and is now whole again. He joins his granddaughter, Linsey Rae Bishop (Kye and Deborah).
Mr. Bishop was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Hazel Bishop; his sister, Nadine Reddick (Hulon); brothers, Bill Bishop and Doyle Bishop (Alice) and nephews Ed Reddick (Jackie), Steve Bishop, Dale Bishop and niece Donna Kay Bishop; and son-in law, Paul Michael Dugger.
Jerry was born Nov. 13, 1937 in Rector, Arkansas. He graduated from high school, where he participated in sports and FFA. He went to Arkansas State University, earning a bachelor's and master's degree in education.
Jerry and Pat began their love affair in the first grade. He wrote her one of many love notes when they were 6 years old and they just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Feb. 18, 2025. They have three children, Dr. Gail Bishop Dugger, Jerry Kip Bishop, and Patrick Kye Bishop (Deborah Chastain Bishop); grandchildren, Branyon Michael Dugger (Gail), Linsey Rae Bishop (Kye/Deborah), and Kyler Chastain Bishop (Ciara Mercer Bishop); and great-grandchildren, Bryan Thomas Dugger (Branyon), Wyatt Lee Dugger (Branyon), Kaelan Mercer Bishop (Kyler/Ciara), and Krew Chastain Bishop (Kyler/Ciara). He also leaves behind nephews Larry Bishop and Dennis Bishop and nieces Gayla Bishop and Denise Bishop King, along with grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
Jerry was an educator and coach in the DeSoto County School System (Arcadia, Florida). From the classroom he went on to be the director of vocational and adult education in both Desoto County and Nassau County (Fernandina Beach, Florida). He retired in 1997.
Pop enjoyed and took great pride in his green thumb. His yard and gardens through the years brought a smile to his face and to the Bluff neighbors. One of his plants that's still producing was given to him by an uncle in 1964!
He loved basketball and fishing. He coached basketball at Desoto County High School. However, his love of fishing with his family and friends trumped all else. Between John Gambrell and George Latimer, many whoppers and tall tales entertained us through the years. Also, as PatPat recalls, being on any body of water fishing is how Pop bonded with his sons, Kip and Kye.
Pop and his daughter, Gail, coauthored a series of children's books about Peter the Pelican. Two of the 12 books were published.
Jerry's love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ led him to serve as a deacon at Arcadia Baptist Church. He also served as a Methodist lay minister for three years at Pine Level Methodist Church when the beloved pastor, Reverend Gerald Taylor, passed away.
Jerry's ashes will be spread among his favorite fishing places by his immediate family and friends in a private ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to your church or Samaritan's Purse in memory of Jerry Lee "Pop" Bishop.