John Lloyd Bishop Sr.

John Lloyd Bishop I Nov. 9, 1932 -Sept. 16, 2006 John Lloyd Bishop, Sr., born November 9th, 1932, beloved husband and father died Saturday, Sept. 16th, 2006 at the age of 73. He passed away at home resting very comfortably with his wife, their three sons and daughter at his side. John was born to the late Howard and Ethel Bishop during the depression era on a farm in Laconia, Indiana. He was the youngest of five children, George Arnold, David Harold, Hazel Margaret and Nellie Violet. The Bishop family moved to Lakeland, FL in 1947 and lived on Providence Road. John's father was a night watchman for the juice concentrate facility in Griffin, FL and his mother was a housewife. John graduated from Kathleen High School in December 1950 and worked his way through college at Florida Southern in Lakeland. Growing up during the depression and helping the family make ends meet gave him the work ethics we all knew him to have. John joined the Army in November, 1952, and served his duty in Stuttgart, Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1955 and then joined the National Guard, serving 6 years as staff administrator of Administration Company of 51 Infantry Companies. He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 4. John resigned this position to attend Helicopter Pilot Program from 1962 to 1963. In 1963, John went to work for Jack Eckerd Corporation as a warehouse stock boy in Pinellas Park, FL. There were 19 stores in the chain at that time. As part of the team of achievers, he moved up through the ranks until he reached the pinnacle position of Senior Executive Vice President, overseeing the Eastern Region of over a thousand stores. He retired from this position in 1983. In mid 1983 he became a part of the management team for Fred Thomas, founder of Pinch-A- Penny Pool and Patio Stores. Subsequently, John contributed to the growth of the pool chain, serving as President for a number of years. After retiring from this position in 1991, he and his family owned and operated a Pinch-A-Penny franchise in New Port Richey, FL They sold the franchise in 2000 and for the next five years, he and his wife, Barbara, took on a new position with the company as consultants. They trained new Pinch-A-Penny franchisees on how to operate and run their stores in a successful and profitable way. As dedicated as John was to business, he was equally dedicated to his passion for the game of golf. He loved the challenge of playing the sport with his wife, children and many friends. As an avid golfer, he played in different parts of the United States as he traveled for business and pleasure. John also teamed up with friends to play in tournaments that benefited local charities. John and Barbara attended many Christian churches in the Pinellas and Pasco area, but especially enjoyed the Lutheran services held by his friend and neighbor, Rev. Hubert Temme of New Port Richey, Florida. During John's retirement and semi-retirement years, he and his wife, Barbara, took many trips in the motor home traveling throughout the country, enjoying life and its many opportunities. With many years of achieving goals and making marks in lives of all those who touched his life and embraced his heart, John found time for The Masonic Lodge; F&AM Lodge #265, as a 32nd - degree mason. Also, a Shriner of Egypt Temple and was involved with the Shriner's Children Hospital. John is survived by his wife of 28 years, Barbara; son, Nick Bishop and wife, Della of Stuart, FL; son, John Bishop, Jr. Of Hudson, FL ; son, Rick Moon and wife, Cindy, of Melbourne, FL; and daughter, Julie Williamson and husband, Rod, of Hudson, FL. Also, grandchildren; Sarah Bradley, Caitlyn Moon, Anthony and Cory Lee Williamson. John's life was full with all his achievements and enjoyment of life. His family, friends and community will miss him but will forever keep him close in their hearts. Funeral services will be at Prevatt Funeral Home (727) 863-3700, 7709 State Road 52, Hudson, FL 34667 on Thursday the 21st day of September, 2006 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The family requests in lieu of flowers, send a donation to Hospice of Pasco County in the name of John Bishop, Sr. Directly following service, reception will be held at the Bishop residence.