Mr. Gene Bishop, 88, of Dalton, Georgia, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on September 3, 1936, in Murray County, Ga., Gene was a man of deep devotion—to his family, his faith, and the memory of his beloved wife, Flora Mae Ralston Bishop, who passed away on June 23, 1982. Though the years passed, Gene never stopped loving or longing for her, and now, after 42 years, they are reunited once more.
He was preceded in death by his father, J. B. Bishop; his mother and stepfather, Lucille Barton Bishop and Roy Edgar Worley; his wife, Flora Mae Ralston Bishop; a son-in-law, Don Spitzer; his sisters, Essie (Grady) Burns and Nadine Griffin; and his brothers, Michael Bishop, R. L. Bishop, Clark "Duke" (Ann) Bishop, and J. B. "Buddy" (Carolyn) Bishop, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Christine and John Kirk.
Gene dedicated many years of hard work to Shaw Industries, where he was a valued member of Plant #3. But his true joy in life came from the love of his family and the simple pleasures of everyday moments—working in his garden, tinkering with cars and mowers, and sitting on the swing with those he cherished.
His granddaughter, Crystal Franks, beautifully expressed what Gene meant to his family: “There’s a hole in my heart that will never quite be filled, but I find peace knowing he lived a full and wonderful life. He loved his family deeply, and he loved Jesus. Some of the sweetest memories were just sitting with him, especially on the swing. I loved mowing the grass and even making those Saturday trips to the dump with him. He was happiest outside, always fixing something, and his door (and swing) were always open to anyone who stopped by. He never met a stranger, and his love for family and faith was unwavering. But as much as we all will miss him, I know he has been waiting 42 long years for the moment to be reunited with my beautiful granny. Though my heart aches, I know he’s home now. I’ll hold onto the lessons he taught me, the love he gave, and his memory forever.”
Gene leaves behind a loving family to carry on his legacy: his daughters, Sandra “Sandy” (Leland) O’Bryant of Lafayette, GA, Lesa Spitzer, Relady Bishop, and Tammy Bishop, all of Dalton, GA; his sister, Brenda (Wendell) Chance of Calhoun, GA; his brother-in-law, Gene Griffin of Barney, GA; his grandchildren, Daniel (Candace) Martin, Camilla (Don) Webb, Brooke Brock, Jessica Holsomback, Stacy (Freddy) Evett, and Crystal (Scott) Franks; his great-grandchildren, Hannah (Josh) Stone, Haley (David) Bunch, Karah Powell, Brianna (Jovanny) Sanchez, Kolby Martin, Macey Brock, Emily Williams, Adalynn Brock, Bentley Webb, Bella Webb, Nicole Martin, Craighton Roper, Alexis (Dameon) Shepherd, Kyilee Holsomback, Kayla Franks, Allyson Franks, and Garrett Franks; and his great-great-grandchildren, Skyylar Stone, Timothy Stone, Ryker Neighbors, Maelynn Carter, Leevi Goswick, Walker Bunch, Nash Powell, and Lakelynn Powell. He is also survived by special brothers-in-law, Tommy Ralston and David Ralston, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Gene Bishop will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with Reverend Charlie Hamm officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife at West Hill Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Daniel Martin, Scott Franks, Garrett Franks, Leland O’Bryant, Don Webb, and Kevin O’Dell.
The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour.
Gene Bishop’s love for his family was boundless, and his heart never stopped longing for the love he lost. While his presence will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Now, at last, he is home.
Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Ga. 30721. For more information, please visit www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org.