Joseph H. Bishop, Sr.
August 21, 1943 – June 22, 2016

Joseph Henry Bishop, Sr., or, better known as "Joe Henry", to those who loved and knew him, formerly of Swan Quarter, celebrated his first birthday in Heaven, on Wednesday, June 22, 2016.

Born on August 21, 1943, to Guy Thomas Bishop and Lillian Olivia Boomer, in Knoxville, TN, Joe Henry was quite the inquisitive, studious, and determined young man. He moved to Apex, NC for his senior year in high school, on his own, to gain enough credits to pursue his interest in chemistry at UNC. As fate would have it however; his mentors at the time, convinced him a degree in electronics was the way to go--and given how technology has progressed since then, it was a wise choice.

He graduated from Apex High School and enrolled in Wilson Technical Institute, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Electronics and met his former wife, Judy, with whom he has three children--Joanna, Joey, and Stewart.

Upon graduation, he became employed with Southern Bell as an electronics technician. This is where he met his best friend, with whom he would later voluntarily enlist into the United States Army. Joe had a profound love and respect for his country; and those who knew him, knew that, first and foremost. He was a Captain who bravely and proudly led troops in two tours of Vietnam--where he sadly lost his best friend. After ten years of service, Joe returned to civilian life and continued his career in electronics. He worked for Sylvania, in Smithfield NC, upon discharge, as an electronics technician and authored several technical books. He eventually moved back to the place where he was raised and would eventually retire, Swan Quarter, NC.

He worked for the Dare County Bombing Range and Lockheed Martin for a number of years and eventually retired from the NC Department of Corrections, in 2013. Because of his background in electronics and technology, he became the resident computer guy in Hyde County for a time. He was quite the green thumb, and as long as he was able, he had a flush garden and a porch filled with the most beautiful red roses. He was also well-known for his master grilling skills and was always eager to cater to and feed the masses. In his retirement, he spent his time enjoying his family and his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday June 26, 2016 at Christ's Church of Rosebay. Linwood Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in the family cemetery at his home, 118 Sadie Weston Road, Swan Quarter.

In addition to his children surviving is a brother, William Linwood Smith; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter

Saturday June 25th, 2016

6:00pm - 8:00pm

119 Main Street
Swan Quarter, NC 27885

Funeral Service

Christ's Church of Rosebay

Sunday June 26th, 2016

2:00pm

7869 Turnpike Road
Swan Quarter, NC 27885