Reverend Jimmy Ray Bishop

"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Reverend Jimmy Ray Bishop, 67, of Kingsport, made his heavenly journey on Wednesday, November 28th at Wexford House surrounded by family and friends following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on June 15, 1945 in Kingsport, TN to the late Ed and Cora Bishop.

He was saved on January 2, 1971 and answered God's call to preach shortly after. Jim was a graduate of Hyles-Anderson Bible College with a B.S. degree in Christian Education and History. He also received his Masters in ministry from Carolina University, a doctorate of divinity from Emmanuel Baptist Seminary; doctorate of letters from Cambridge Institute of Theology. He pastured several churches in this area and also in Virginia, Alabama, and North Carolina. He was a member of Homeland Baptist Church and was an Evangelist at the time of his death. Jim was a veteran having served in the U. S. Army.

He had a great sense of humor and was loved and respected by everyone he met. Jim was a man of God and was a great example to his family and friends. He loved the Lord and loved to share the Word of God with anyone who would listen. He had numerous preacher friends with whom he loved to fellowship. Jim was an antique car enthusiast and loved attending car shows with his buddies.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Younce and a special sister-in-law, Gaylene Bishop.

Jim is survived by brothers, Eddie Bishop of Kingsport, Larry Bishop and wife Norma of Kingsport, and Scottie Bishop and wife Ann of Clermont, FL; several nieces and nephews; and his precious pet "Promise" that he loved dearly.

The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Jeff Hunt, Dr. J. Paul Singh and his staff, Dr. Asheesh Shipstone, the staff of Kingsport Hematology and Oncology, the LaGuardia Cancer Center at HVMC, and the staff of Wexford House.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Homeland Baptist Church. Services will follow at 6 p.m. with Rev. J. W. Depew and Rev. Rodney Fields officiating. A special prayer will be given by Rev. Eddie Whitley. Special music by Elijah Woods and Damon Depew.
Graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at East Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Jim Mullins and Rev. Clarence Bear officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Posts No. 3/265.

Pallbearers will be Greg Collins, Walter Douglas, Randall Fraley, Eddie "Bo" Bishop, Gary Spears, Phil Lemons, and Tom Feagins.

Honorary pallbearers will be his fellow ministers of the gospel and Charlie Williams.

Memorials may be made to Homeland Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 3430, Kingsport, TN 37664.