Barney Tipton Bishop

Barney Tipton Bishop, 97, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2023 at Orlando Regional Medical Center in Orlando, FL, with family at his side. Born on October 1, 1926, in Milton, Georgia, Barney is preceded in death by his parents, Barney Tipton Bishop and Ada Geneva (Weems) Bishop, his sisters; Mary, Evelyn, Geneva, and Nancy, as well as his wife of 58 years, Margaret Lorraine (Rollo) Bishop.

Barney is remembered by his sons; Barney T. Bishop III and his wife Shelby Bishop of Tallahassee, FL, Larry E. Bishop and his wife Lydia Bishop of Orlando, FL, and daughter, Rebecca “Becky” J. Bishop, of Altoona, FL. He was beloved “Grandpa Eustis” to grandchildren; Renee Bishop of Orlando, Ryan Bishop and his wife Kristen Bishop of Orlando, and Lindsey (Bishop) Aebli and her husband Colin Aebli of Fredericksburg, VA. As well as 5 great grandchildren; Sutton Bishop and Piper Bishop – children of granddaughter Renee, Tristan Bishop, Tyler Bishop, and Tinsley Bishop – children of grandson Ryan.

Barney lost both of his parents early in life and grew up in a Masonic Home in Georgia. At 17, he left the Masonic Home and moved to Florida where he met and married Margaret Rollo. Barney and Margaret lived in Panama City, Miami, Orlando, and ultimately found their paradise in Lake County Florida on Lake Yale. Both were avid fisherman and loved spending time together on the lake. They also shared a love of flowers, decorating their home for Christmas, cooking, and enjoying their children and grandchildren. Barney’s early employment was in the grocery business working with Margaret’s extended family. He later became a skilled automobile mechanic and over the years, worked for several Ford dealerships in Lake County.

A dedicated democrat and member of the Teamsters, Barney enjoyed following and discussing politics. Despite being a democrat, he became an ardent Trump supporter, feeling that Trump looked out for the everyday man. Barney also looked for ways to support or defend the underdog. He would do it without fanfare, but people always knew where they stood with Barney Bishop.

Barney was a one-of-a kind southern gentleman. He had a host of sayings including, “I’m a Bishop – the Lord don’t want me and the devil is afraid I’ll take over”, and enjoyed getting a rise out of people. He loved the Miami Dolphins football team, had a huge sweet tooth, and enjoyed reading Westerns and History. He loved watching old movies, especially Westerns with John Wayne. He enjoyed listening to gospel music and, in his final days, regaled his family with several hymns in a strong and lovely baritone voice.

If Barney had a theme song, it would be Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way”. He was fiercely independent and loved his family. He spent many hours supporting son, Barney, who earned Eagle Scout at the age of 12, son, Larry, who lettered in football and baseball playing for Carol City High, and, daughter, Becky. Barney would proudly tell you that Becky was the first “bat girl” on the Optimist’s baseball team. She was even allowed to play an inning in a boy’s baseball game – something that made history and irritated the other team’s coaches, which only pleased Barney more.

Barney loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and would delight in hearing stories and seeing pictures of the fish they caught.

His legacy is one of love for family, being out on the water, wetting a line, catching a fish, telling a tall tale, and enjoying the simple things in life. Rest in peace beloved dad and Grandpa.

Barney’s wishes were to be cremated and no memorial service is planned. The family will honor him privately.