Granville Lee Bishop

 

Granville Lee Bishop, 84 of Indian Valley, Virginia, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 28, 2025, after a life rich in faith, family, and curiosity. Born on March 27, 1941, the fourth child of Jesse Lee Bishop and Freda Jane Phillips Bishop, and the oldest of four boys in a family of eight children, he grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work and learning. 

He proudly served his country as a cryptographer in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, where his love for puzzles and problem-solving found purpose. After his military service, he worked as a skilled tool and die maker for Wolverine Gasket Company, retiring twice but never slowing down. His mechanical ingenuity was legendary­ – whether building a bridge for his driveway, crafting a windmill to power a birdbath, or designing a perpetual motion machine, he approached every project with patience and creativity. 

Later in life, he answered a higher calling, becoming a pastor in the Church of the Brethren. His ministry was hands-on and heartfelt: performing countless weddings and funerals, comforting the sick and bereaved, and even hanging a new steeple and stabilizing the church foundation. His devotion to scripture led him to become a shepherd in the truest sense – raising sheep to better understand the care and responsibility of a shepherd for his flock. 

A lifelong gardener and beekeeper, he cherished the land and the lessons learned as the son of a farmer. He built a custom fireplace from river rocks, created a train for PTA fundraisers, and delighted in hiking and exploring nature. His love for words and puzzles endured throughout his life, astonishing even his doctors with his remarkable vocabulary in recent years.

He honored his military service by joining the local American Legion and was a lifelong blood and platelet donor to the American Red Cross, earning a plaque in the Blacksburg office for his generosity.

Granville is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jeaneal “Jill” Bishop; four children, Deborah Bozio (Scot) of Sumter, SC, Gregory Bishop of Dublin, Wesley Bishop (Michelle) of Floyd, Jodie Mercy (Scott) of Roanoke; grandchildren, Amanda Seibert, Jerica Bozio, Skylar Bishop, Samantha Bishop, Rachel Bradley (Zach), Amanda Carr, Anne Dean (Tanner), Emma Schroeder, Hank Schroeder, Austin Mercy, Arlo Moody, Sara Moody; three great-grandchildren, with one expected this December; siblings, Pearlie Taylor (Wayne) of Dugspur, Elizabeth Bane (Lewis) of Parrott, Clyde Bishop (Christine) of Riner, Richard Bishop (Pat) of Indian Valley, Gene Bishop (Diane) of Indian Valley; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

Preceding him in death were his parents; his older sister, Jeanette Bishop; baby sister, Irene Bishop, all of Indian Valley; and his nephew, Steven Bishop of Floyd. 

His legacy lives on in the bridges he built – both literal and figurative – and in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith. A burial of his ashes will be conducted at a future date.