Richard Leo Bishop

Richard Leo Bishop, 86, of Jackson, TN passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 30th, 2025 at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, TN. He was born on December 20th, 1938 in Brownsville, TN. Most of his early life was spent in Jackson, TN until he joined the Navy as a young adult. After proudly serving, he returned to the U.S. to start his family.

Richard was known for his sense of humor and his way of making everyone around him laugh with pranks, jokes or a good wise-crack or two. A devoted Vols fan, he could be found tuning into the games every Saturday. As the family fisherman, he was often found on the banks of Lake Graham (maybe in it a time or two) with his grandkids sharing his tricks of the trade.

He held many titles and occupations over his life but the one he was most passionate about was being "Papaw". He was a proud grandfather to three granddaughters - Rachel Hale, Shelby Sargent and Rebekah Sargent, and 2 grandsons - Trent Lackey and Eli Bishop. He even had the honor of reaching the title of Great-Grandfather to three great-grandsons - Elijah Hale, Wesley Hale and Kaysen Sargent, as well as two great-granddaughters - Olivia Douglas and Keeley Sargent. He was present for every birthday, milestone or special event. He was the passenger on the way to many away games for soccer, baseball, football and band. Even if he might have been a little late or may have been all the way in the back, he never missed games, graduations or recitals and was always ready afterward with a "Papaw loves you, loves you" and a big hug.

He is survived by his children - Steve Bishop (Kim), Debbie Vaughn (Bobby), and Wanda Sargent, along with all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as by his younger brother Tom Marbury (Beth) and his loving nieces and nephew - Natalie, Amy and Alex. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Leo Bishop and Christine Virginia Marbury, and by his son-in-law, Jason Sargent.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the loving nurses and staff at the Tennessee Veterans Home in Humboldt, TN for the care they provided to Richard and to Gentiva Hospice for the compassion they showed during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that monetary or clothing donations be made to Tennessee State Veterans Homes.

A private family memorial service and internment of ashes will be held at the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Parkers Crossroads at a later date. The family thanks you for and appreciates continued thoughts and prayers during this time.