Emmett Bishop

At just 3 months of age, he contracted polio during an outbreak at a hospital in Atlanta and spent the first years of his life in the hospital separated from his family and the world. The polio severely damaged his right leg, and when he was finally able to walk it was with a noticeable limp. This "handicap" is what pushed him to achieve what others wouldn't believe possible. During his highschool years he went from being a stand-out wrestler at Walker High in Atlanta to being an award winning gymnast; including several gold medals at the Junior Olympics and the Georgia State Championship. This led to scholarship offers at several schools, including Georgia Tech. In a family of Bulldogs, he remained a Yellow Jacket his entire life.

Instead of college Michael went on to become both a licensed plumber and a licensed steamfitter with the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVACR Technicians Local 72 Atlanta in order to support his family. He traveled the US during the 1970's as both a welder and then a General Foreman to places like Wyoming and Ohio among others, but always returned home to Atlanta. He finished his career and retired in 2008, but his love for the brotherhood in the Union remained strong. He became a brother Mason in Conyers. He was a lifelong fan of all sports, but particularly NASCAR and his beloved Atlanta Braves.

Michael leaves his wife of 22 years, Holly Bishop, his son, Lloyd Bishop and grandson Mylan. He is also survived by his sister Joyce Farmer and husband Carl, his sister Jackie Joyner and husband Marty, his brother Mark and wife Shelia Bishop, his estranged children Emmett, Tamalyn and Melinda, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery with Rev. Paul Dziadul officiating. The family will greet friends from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m. at Snow's Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Children's Scottish Rite Hospital of Atlanta at www.choa.org