Ralph Knox Bishop

Our Mr. Wonderful, Ralph Knox Bishop of New Bern, NC passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at East Carolina Medical Center, surrounded by his family. Ralph was born on October 14, 1955 to Jack and Donna Bishop in West Chester, PA.

Ralph grew up in Dundee, NY where he attended Dundee Central School from kindergarten through High School. He continued on to graduate from Oswego State University with a B.A. in Secondary Education where he was a member of Psi Phi Gamma Fraternity, attended Morrisville Ag and Tech for Woodworking, and had graduate study credits from East Carolina University.

Following college graduation, Ralph married Susan Bishop on August 25, 1984 and they lived in Dundee NY for 2 years. They moved to New Bern, NC and started their family in 1993 and had two children together, Sarah and Jesse Bishop.

Ralph’s love of sports lead him to coach softball and wrestling at Dundee Central School and volleyball at Grover C. Fields Middle School. With the New Bern Sunday school league, he coached Cal Ripken youth baseball teams, bringing his unique character and expertise to families of young athletes here in New Bern.

Those who knew Ralph appreciated his warped sense of humor. He was a fan of South Park, Ancient Aliens, The Curse of Oak Island and Steven Colbert among countless others. He followed the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Yankees as well as Formula 1 motorsports throughout his life. His family and friends will remember his many text messages and emails about Tom Brady and Donald Trump, which painted them in an unflattering light. He loved to challenge his family with “Who does this song” and “Did you know…” trivia as well as sharing knowledge about his favorite athletes and teams.

Ralph left a legacy to his children, nieces and nephews, great nephews and friends that included a love of outdoors, hunting, fishing and boating. He had a deep spirituality and exhibited generosity and love towards everyone who he encountered. His gratefulness for the smallest kindness was always evident and he made time for anyone who wished to sit and talk with him.

He is survived by his spouse of 37 years Sue, daughter Sarah Bishop, son Jesse Bishop, sister Beth Taylor (Steve), Sister-in-law Jane Murphy (Lang), Brother-in-law Pete Cosgrove (Gayle), Sister-in-law Nadine Deyett (Scott), grandson Lennox Bishop, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nephews, and close friends he considered family.

He is predeceased by his mother and father Jack and Donna Bishop, and his brother Jesse Bishop.

A service will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Port City Community Church in New Bern, NC. Family will receive visitors from 11-12 with a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

://mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/Ralph-s-Final-Wishes or to the NICU at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Wilmington, NC

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Ralph Knox Bishop.