Roger Wayne Bishop's Obituary
With great sorrow and eternal love, we announce on November 25, 2023, Roger Wayne Bishop, affectionally known as “Ganky”, 69, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away after a very short battle with ALS.
Roger was born in Memphis, Tennessee, May 14, 1954. He was the loving son of the late, Margie Ann Brackey Bishop, and John “Jack” Samuel Bishop. He was extremely proud of both of his parents’ veteran status in the U.S. Army. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Jeffery Stuart Bishop, and John Scott Bishop, his grandparents, Sam Ethel Baxter Bishop Wiggins, his grandfather, Alphonse “Ganky” Wiggins, and grandmother, Pearl Farrow Brackey, and grandfather, Edward James Brackey, Sr.
He was a beloved husband, and he leaves behind a once in a lifetime love, Judy Roberts Bishop. Roger and Judy have been happily married for 48 years and have been together since they were 16. They created a life and family together that would rival any Hallmark movie. He loved his family dearly and protected them fiercely. Judy took care of him meticulously and lovingly until the end.
Our dearly loved “Ganky” is survived by his daughter, Emilie Maheu (Libertyville, IL), and his son, Jacob Bishop (Collierville, TN). Life got better when he gained a son-in-law, Shawn Maheu, and daughter-in-law, Ashley Smith Bishop, whom he loved and adored as much as his own children. Nothing compared to his love for his grandchildren, Hunter Maheu, Sydney Maheu, Wyatt Bishop, Whitt Bishop, and Kentley Bishop. He has one surviving brother, Dennis Bishop. He had great love for all his nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and their families. He considered many of his friends his family.
Roger was a successful business owner for over 40 years with a valued business partner, Bob Dehoney. His business provided for his family well.
Ganky was a kind and caring soul, who always helped those less fortunate. He focused on the positive, even at the end, showing gratitude for those around him, especially his wife, Judy. He was an Eagle Scout and an avid outdoorsman, often spending his time hunting, fishing, and walking in the woods. He loved cutting up and having a good time and making people laugh. He enjoyed a good game of Bocci ball with friends and family. He was jokingly called “Officer Roger” because of his commanding stance and demeanor. Strangers often thought he was a police officer and were always asking him for help, and of course, he kindly obliged.
There will be a celebration of life at the family farm on December 30, more details later. He will be laid to rest in the Trinity Cemetery, in Nutbush, TN, where his family has been for over five generations.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org/donate/, where 95% donations go to supporting the work with our first responders and the military.
… and he was LOVED fiercely!
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