William Barona Graves

He was born December 12, 1973, in Harrisonburg, VA. He traveled the world as a military brat and graduated from Kaiserslautern High School “K-Town” in Germany, 1991. Shortly after high school, BISHIP joined the United States Army and served 6 years with the 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade as a Parachute Rigger, at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.

After serving in the U. S. Army, he then continued his journey with his love of music. BISHIP was the CEO and Founder of MOB OUT Entertainment, a company that works hands on in promoting and networking artists. Recently signed to Chinaman Records, BISHIP was determined to turn heads as he continued to strengthen his foundation that was built by him from the beginning.

As a child, music surrounded BISHIP. As the years passed, he began to write songs which led to a stronger connection with the industry. Since becoming a registered BMI artist, he has been involved in many projects, including Executive Producer/Host on Xclusive Jamz Radio, collaborating with many Hip-Hop artists and Rock Band -Flat Land Hills. BISHIP captured the hearts of many by the way he articulated his words of wisdom through music. BISHIP was currently working his way through the ranks at the Hampton Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia where he was selected for a management position working logistics, policies, and resources.

BISHIP is survived by his sons – Isaac O’Brien and Cameron Bechtold, Clarksville TN; daughters – Tyesha Graves, Stevensville, MT and Olivia Bechtold, Clarksville, TN; father – William D. Graves (Michele), Hampton VA; mother -Nancy Graves (Barry), Clarksville, TN; brother – Micah Graves, Clarksville, TN; sisters – Tanja Hawkins. Yorktown, VA and Athenia Graves-Patterson (Rome), Clarksville. TN; grandmother – Alice Graves, Harrisonburg VA; grandson – Ashton Kinzer, Stevensville, MT; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

The family will hold a Public Visitation on Friday December 30, 2023 at 1:00PM at Parklawn Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. Hampton, Va. 23666. The Celebration of Life to be lead by Bishop Bill Burrell at 2:00PM.