Billy Joel Bishop

Funeral Services, Viewing, & Visitation will be held at the Vada Hagee Prayer Chapel, Cornerstone Church, 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday September 27, 2023. Viewing & Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM and the Service will begin at 10:00 AM. Following the service there will be a luncheon in the reception hall. Graveside services will be at 2:30 PM at the Thompsonville Cemetery at 2482 Co. Rd. 443 Waelder TX 78959.

Condolences & Flowers to: Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E. San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 495-8221

Memorial Contributions can be made to Christians United for Israel.

Farm Boy

Billy Joel Bishop was born on January 11, 1926, in Star, TX to Milbern Alton Bishop and Cora Bishop who were dairy farmers in Texas. Milbern & Cora had 4 children; Milbern Jr., who died at 6 months of age, Billy Joel Bishop, Leila Mae, and Kenneth. Some of Billy’s earliest and fondest memories were of helping his parents on the Dairy farm by delivering milk, caring for all of the animals and doing other odd jobs. Billy’s father also worked a firing range and taught Billy how to shoot with great precision.

As the years grew economically harder for their family, Billy’s father had to change careers, leaving the Dairy farm to work the Texas oil fields. Billy remembers their family living in tents right on the oil fields until his dad was diagnosed with a terminal illness and lost his job. Billy’s family then moved in with His Aunt Agnes and Uncle Willie where his father passed away on May 7th, 1942, when Billy was only 16 years old.

Billy grew up with the knowledge of a hard day’s work, the value of a quality product, the commitment of giving his best, and how to shoot straight with your words as well as well as with a gun. He was taught at an early age to respect authority and work as unto the Lord. He understood that to gain respect or value, you had to put in the effort and earn it by doing more than what was asked or required. His parents taught him the privilege of living in America and to celebrate our Country’s freedoms. Therefore, Billy developed a beautiful love for his country, and respect for the service men and women who made this country great.

These foundational blocks of character prepared him for his first brush with history and a decision that would be the cornerstone of strength for the rest of his life. At 17 Billy attended a Billy Graham Crusade near San Antonio where he gave his life fully to Christ. This commitment for Billy was much more than just a walk down the aisle. Rather, this moment was an eternal commitment to discipleship and service. This commitment would give Billy the faith, strength, and hope he would need for such a time as this.

Winds of War

The waves created by the bombs dropped into the waters of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, travelled over 3,700 miles and found their way into the life of young Billy Bishop. He would have to wait several years to respond to the impact of those waves but act he would.

In June 1943 Billy left San Marcos High School and began to work at Kelly AFB as a Stock Clerk, to help to support his mother and brother. This opportunity prepared him for what was to come a little more than a year later.

Shortly after turning 18, Billy was drafted into the US Army and sent off to Basic Training in Oregon with members of C Company 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division Timberwolves. By 1943 the truth of the cost of war was very well known. Like many young men of his day, Billy, although afraid, still bravely and valiantly answered the call to serve his great country.

As soon as they completed their basic training, Private Billy Joel Bishop and company headed off to Europe and became part of the continuing invasion of fortress Europe. Private Bishop and his brothers in arms fought for every inch of land they took eventually crossing the Siegfried Line only to be stalled briefly in the forest of the Ardennes in a fight that would become known as the Battle of the Bulge.

After the breakout at the bulge, the Timberwolves pressed on and captured Cologne, Germany. They then moved to cross the Rhine at Hondeff at the historic Remagen Bridgehead. They then continued to Paderborn and resumed a drive to the east that saw the unit move 175 miles in 15 days and the liberation of many towns and villages. The Timberwolves became known and valiantly recognized for their famed ability in night fighting. The 104th Timberwolves had an historic discovery when they overran Nordhaus and the Dora-Mettelbau concentration camp. It was at this site that the rumors became revelation as the unimaginable atrocities inflicted upon the Jewish people came to light. This reality marked these soldiers for life and relit their passion to win this war at all costs. Eventually the Timberwolves fought their way to the very end as the West met the East and American Soldiers shook hands with their Russian allies.

On May 8, 1945, the world celebrated Victory in Europe Day as General Alfred Jodl surrendered Germany to the Allies. During their 195 consecutive days of combat, (6 ½ months), the Timberwolves inflicted over 18,000 casualties on the Nazi war machine, and captured 51,724 prisoners, including four generals, 1,301 officers, 5,397 non-commissioned officers. They cleared 8,000 square miles of France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany liberating over 2,000 towns and communities, including the great cities of Cologne, Eschweiler and Halle and the camps at Nordhaus and Dora-Mettelbau. They medically aided, cared for more than 1,000 Jewish prisoners and buried over 3,000 who were killed by the evils of German Nazism.

With the war in Europe over, PFC Bishop and his Timberwolf brothers prepared for their return to the US. However, not all the Timberwolves returned. With great sadness Billy shared that many of his brothers never made it home. The price of victory cost the Timberwolves 1,119 dead and 4,961 wounded. Billy said that the only reason he made it home himself without being wounded was the prayers of a godly mother and the courageous actions of heroic men.

For his own heroic service and bravery PFC Bishop was awarded 2 Bronze Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Army of Occupation Ribbon (Germany), Europe Africa Middle East (EAME) Theater Campaign Ribbon (With Victory Ribbon), and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

The End of One War, the Beginning of Another

Following his return to the states PFC Bishop was discharged by the Army on July 2, 1946 as part of the Nations postwar drawdown. After being discharged Mr. Bishop returned to work at Kelly AFB. Four years later on 27 May 1950 Billy decided to continue his service to his country by joining the US Air Force Reserves at Kelly. One month later, the North Korean Communists, crossed the 38th Parallel separating the US backed South Korea from the Russian backed Communist North Korea and the US found itself back at war.

On April 23, 1951, just 10 months later, now an Airman, Billy was activated and sent to support the Korean war, which he proudly did. On his way to Korea PFC Bishop, of the US Air Force, crossed the 180th Meridian aboard the Squire Class Transport Ship, USNS General W.F. Hase and was initiated into the U.S. Navy’s prized Domain of the Golden Dragon. He served faithfully and with excellence as a supply technician in Korea for 9 months. For his service in the Korean war Airman 1st class Billy J. Bishop received The Korean Honor Medal, USAF Korean Service Medal, the United Nation Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr. Bishop Returns to Kelly AFB

Following his service in Korea, Airman 1st Class Billy J. Bishop ended his military career on June 26, 1953. Although his time in uniform ended on this date, his service to his country continued. Now with the rank of Mr. once again, Billy came full circle as he returned to applying his skills and talents in the place where he began in 1943 as a civil servant with the USAF at Kelly AFB in the field of supply and logistics.

Although not in uniform he once again had an impact on yet another war as he participated in the 1972 San Antonio Air Material Area Project Enhance and Enhance Plus. This effort was a key component in President Richard Nixon’s Vietnamization of the Vietnam War. To this end Billy was critical to the official transfer of US military equipment in Vietnam to the South Vietnamese government and military.

Billy’s continued commitment to excellence during these civil service years was awarded by recognition as a Superior Performer and earning the Zero Defects Award.

On 17 Jan 1981 Billy retired from civil service with the USAF at Kelly AFB after 37 years of faithful service. To his very last day Billy would let you know that one of the things he was most proud of was his service to his country and the title of Veteran that he had earned.

Retired but NOT Retired

Billy’s story does not end with a certificate and a handshake at Kelly AFB. In fact, the greater story of his life goes far beyond the titles of Soldier, Airman, Veteran, and Civil Servant. Billy’s greater story is found in the story of his faith, the faithfulness of a godly husband, the husband who became a father and passed on his faith to his children and his grandchildren, and the man that lived his faith as a testimony in the world of business and community leadership. Billy retired from collecting a paycheck at the age of 90. However, he never stopped working as a servant leader and standing as the standard of a life well lived and a race well run.

To Love and To Cherish;Billy The Husband

The excellence of Billy’s character displayed in his career paled in comparison to his role of a devoted husband and father. Billy and Sarah met in San Antonio, Texas at a church service. They courted for some time with Billy being the epitome of a true southern gentleman and servant leader. The connection they made was truly Spirit led and knew they were meant to be together for life. It was truly a god-designed marriage when they wed in 1956. The covenant they made that day has lasted 67 years. It was in the role of a devoted and loving husband that Billy shined. He ensured and supported his beloved wife in all her aspirations, goals, and dreams. He allowed her to succeed and even held her up in support to make her dreams become a reality. Billy was always happiest when he wasn’t in the spotlight. However, his wife Sarah, like a true yellow rose of Texas, bloomed best in the sunlight. Where another man might be threatened or jealous by the success and popularity of his wife, Billy was more than happy to support and encourage her. He recognized the special anointing and spiritual gifts the Lord had given his wife and that gave him great pride and joy. Wherever his wife was asked to speak or teach, he was always there. He regularly praised her and rejoiced in her accomplishments. This gift of humility, service, and sacrificial giving was vital to their mutual success in life, business, and to them fulfilling the call and purpose of marriage.

A Son Becomes a Father;Memories From Daddy’s Little Girl

Life for Billy & Sarah changed on December 16, 1965. God blessed them with a beautiful healthy little girl. They called her “Their little Treasure, Deborah.” Billy was a devoted Father, protective, tender, and faithful. Together, he and his wife ensured she was raised in a godly home and that the Word of God was not just a book on a shelf. They taught her together what they believed and why they believed it. They did not just speak the Word, they lived it. Billy was also his daughter’s greatest supporter. He cheered on her aspirations and supported her dreams. He sacrificed to ensure that she could fully explore life in a safe environment keeping the wolves at bay and enabling her dreams to become reality. Billy was the kind of Father that always gloried in the smile on his daughter’s face and basked in the love he received from her. His greatest moments were the many special memories they made along her life’s journey. From their special Big Red floats and ice cream sandwich dates to watching his little treasure grow to become a beautiful wife and then loving mother. These were the moments that gave him great pride and joy.

The Reward for Raising Your Children in the Lord;Billy Becomes Popo

There was never a brighter smile on Billy’s face, than when he was in the presence of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He shared in family vacations too many to count, but always basking in the sunshine of all the little ones running around, crawling in his lap, playing games with him, and those precious kisses on his cheek. Holidays meant spending the night at Popo’s and Mamaw’s house, making cookies, playing outside, opening presents, all cherished memories. Even the surprise spontaneous visits, never once would he them turn away. He loved every chance hug or kiss on the cheek! And those great and grands honorably respected the patriarch of the family, as their dearly loved Popo.

The BusinessmanThere’s More to this Cowboy than Just His Hat

As with all our journeys, our family came together as one and faced forward as a team. One of the biggest journeys that we began started with a mighty leap of faith. It was Sarah, our matriarch, who raised the idea for the journey that is Billy’s Western Wear. She was most convinced that we had the know how to make it happen and wanted to ensure this venture bore the name of the man who had given so much to all of us. As always, Billy stood strong beside his young bride’s side and joined in wholeheartedly. You have to figure that after surviving the unknown of European combat there wasn’t much that could scare this mighty man of God and God Blessed their faithfulness beyond their wildest dreams.

Billy’s Western Wear opened their first store in 1980. It was just a little 600 square foot “Hat Shop” in the old McCreless Mall, in San Antonio. As they saved up some money, they were able to open a Boot Shop there too. Over the course of the next 12 years, they were able to open 6 larger Western Wear Stores, several Kiosk stores and purchased a Distribution Center, all located throughout greater San Antonio.

From San Antonio the journey moved to Boerne, Texas. Billy’s Western Wear opened their first store in this quaint Texas town in 1997. Soon after that, they planted their flag in Kerrville, Texas as well. In 2002, Billy & Sarah purchased property on S. Main Street in Boerne. Here they opened the first 9,000-square-foot store in 2005. Following this they moved their offices and distribution center from San Antonio to Boerne. After having mastered the design process through being hands on with the creation of every aspect of over 6 retail locations in San Antonio, Sarah committed to personally designing the new Boerne & Kerrville stores. The Kerrville store debuted in 2008 and Sarah’s designs won the prized award of Kerrville City’s Beautification award in 2016.

This leap of faith will mark its 44th year of success in December. It stands as yet another testament to committed marriage and teamwork. From the mustard seed of a small little shop in San Antonio in 1980 to the two current award winning 9,000 square foot buildings with 1000’s of Boots, Hats, Clothing, Accessories, and an e-commerce site, and so much more. You can truly get anything western that you are looking for here, except for cattle.

Along the way Billy and Sarah have received many distinguishing awards. Some of which include being Nominated as Business of the Year in 2012, Best Western Wear, Best Retail Shop, Best Home Décor, Best Looking Business, with many more acclamations. Billy and Sarah are also recognized by many top vendors as their #1 accounts in Texas and some in the United States!

The bricks that make up these buildings are connected by the mortar of blood, sweat, sacrifice, and prayer made on knees calloused by submission before the alter of the almighty. The foundation upon which the building stands is endless hours of hard work and a deep commitment to the gift of marriage that made these two to be one. Finally, the cornerstone of their business, family and life has been the Lord Jesus who they have learned to keep their eye trained upon through every storm and challenge.

Today, their legacy continues as Sarah, their beloved daughter, and her husband, who is more son than son-in-law, continue to steer these cattle drive toward even greater success. They continue this grand adventure along with the grandchildren and great grandchildren of Popo and Mamaw. As a family they realize that they have been passed on more than just an inheritance. They have been passed a true Texas heritage built in God’s country by a man who sacrificed for that very right.

An Earthly Child with a Heavenly FatherI have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.2 Timothy 4:7

At the heart of this is a young country boy who learned untold lessons at the hands of hard-working dairy farmers born of the great depression wherein they learned to place their eyes on heaven and to not be defeated by what went on around them. These humble people prayed hard for their baby boy until he had that appointment with the eternal at a tent revival in San Antonio. To this day Billy carries with him the instruction manual he was given for the race he was committing to run as he surrendered his way to the way of his Lord and Master. That race led him to Kelly and from there to the lands of Europe where his race led to the liberation of the world. Once home his race continued through the rugged land of Korea, then to the humble world of civil service, he acquired a running partner who helped him bear the burden of this marathon and helped him to understand the manual he had come to treasure above all things. Their race produced children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. It produced an empire through which they were able to witness of the power of the manual and the holy author who created it. Along the way their success enabled them to give unselfishly to the furtherance of Israel and the people he had helped liberate. He gave richly to the cause of fellow Veterans and to the Veterans of wars and service that followed his own. Along the route of his race, he greeted many with that big Texas smile under a well-earned hat. That great smile was dwarfed only by his big Texas heart filled to overflowing with the love of Christ. Even after fully retiring at age 90 and needing home care, Billy continued to run his race as he continued to welcome people into his home and to share the love and truth of Christ until the Lord called him home.

Billy’s Legacy

Billy’s most beloved legacy was people. He loved to serve and share his testimony. Without question he changed the lives of all of those his life touched. More than that was his love and loyalty to those he called family. For all these people Billy continued on the legacy of the mother who prayed for him to return to her safely from war. Through Billy’s generational prayers, He invested in the lives of his wife, daughter, his son-in-law, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and for many generations that come after these. He knew that his prayers were not just empty words but were powerful and would never return void. He knew that they would help see his loved ones home safe from the spiritual war they faced every day when they were out of his sight.

Billy knew there was one lasting way his life could continue to make a difference, even in his absence and that was by investing in lasting treasures. His heart was of a true hero, a real man of God, and a warrior for his family. Billy will always be remembered for Faith, Family, and Freedom. He was warrior of great Faith, he displayed enduring love for his family, and gave selfless sacrifice for our freedoms.

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