Guy Edward Bishop Jr.

Guy E. Bishop, Jr. passed away peacefully at home, January 20, 2014, with one of his sons by his side. A World War II veteran, successful executive with Virginia Electric and Power (now Dominion Resources), a gifted raconteur, artisan, and Civil War authority, Dad was a well regarded and prominent member of the Tidewater community for decades. He will be greatly missed.

Dad is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Lou Bishop (formerly Hensley), half-sister Barbara Epps, sons Guy E. Bishop, III and daughter-in-law Judith Bishop of Washington state, Ronald Bishop and Robert Bishop both of Virginia, granddaughters Melyssa Wandling (Bishop) of Washington state and Melynda Bishop of Colorado, and extended family in Kentucky, Maryland, and Vermont. Dad began his life's journey in Delaware in December, 1925, the son of Margaret Sparrow Bishop and Guy E. Bishop, Sr. He later moved to Virginia with his mother. When the storm of war came, he answered his nation's call, serving in England as a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber with the Eighth Air Force. His plane was shot down in action, but he managed to escape capture by the enemy and returned to fight. After the war he attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute under the GI Bill and graduated with a degree in engineering. He then began a long and successful career with Virginia Electric and Power, from which he would retire from in the mid-nineteen eighties as a senior executive of marketing. The friends and associates he made throughout his career are too numerous to name but are acknowledged here.Throughout this time, Dad stoked his great interest in the Civil War. He accumulated a valuable collection of rare books on the Civil War as well as weapons, statues, and flags. A recognized expert on the War, he assisted noted historian Milton Perry in research for books Milton wrote on the War. Dad was also a gifted artisan. He built furniture and expertly restored antiques, including numerous beautiful gilded picture frames. In retirement, Dad and Mary Lou were able to travel extensively, including several trips to England to visit friends they had made in the Royal Navy and elsewhere. During one trip, they were given a guided tour of The Tower of London and Windsor Castle. On another trip, he visited what remained of his old airbase with the Eighth Air Force. Dad lived out his final years quietly in Tidewater. He could look back on a rich and full life that took him to many places and many, many friends. He leaves behind to his family and friends countless wonderful memories of him and a place in their hearts that will never be forgotten.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 5 p.m. at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home at 2551 N. Armistead Avenue in Hampton.