Thomas Richard Bishop

Thomas “Tommy” Richard Bishop of Wylie, Texas passed away unexpectedly on November 3, 2023.  He was born in Corona, California on January 15, 1955, but always said he got to Texas as soon as he could.  He was raised in Marshall, Texas before moving to Richardson as a teenager where he graduated from J.J. Pierce High School in 1973. 

Tommy leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years, Juanita.  After meeting in August of 1975, the two were wed six months later on February 7, 1976.  More than husband and wife, they were best friends who loved to go on adventures together, and he loved her fiercely.  One of Tommy’s greatest joys in life was raising his two sons, Aaron and Michael.  He took tremendous pride in their accomplishments, and never missed an opportunity to talk about the wonderful men they became.  Perhaps an even greater joy was becoming Granddad/Papaw to his grandchildren who thought he hung the moon.  He was never afraid to toss them in the air, engage in belly tickles, play dress-up and have tea parties, and was a champion swing pusher.

Tommy worked as a draftsman, printed circuit board designer, and as an aerospace engineer on experimental rockets.  He was never one to sit idle, and was always working on a project or two.  He was a lifelong learner, and took pleasure in learning an eclectic mix of skills ranging from French cooking to Judo.  Having grown up in the country, he was always at peace in the outdoors and was fearless.  His hobbies reflected his curiosities and included gardening, woodworking, model rocketry, photography, construction and home remodeling, and above all else searching out the best BBQ. 

An Eagle Scout himself, Tommy took great pride in his involvement with scouts with his two sons.  He was very active with Cub Scouts Pack 304 and Boy Scouts of America Troop 442 in the 1980s and 1990s, and achieved the title of scout master which he held for several years.  He passed down his love of scouting to his grandsons, and always enjoyed listening to their camping stories. 

Tommy never met a stranger, and would always try to find the good in every one he met.  Always willing to lend a hand, he was involved with numerous charities over the years, most recently Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Wylie.  It would only be fitting that he passed while doing what he loved, helping others. 

Tommy is survived by his wife Juanita; his sons and daughters-in-law Aaron and Crystal, and Michael and Maria; his grandchildren Jordan, Elliot, Dillon, Gabriella, Lilliana, and another granddaughter on the way; sister-in-law, Mary, and her husband, David; sister, Sandra; uncle, Audie; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter, mother, Jane, and brother, Wayne. 

A viewing will be held from 11am-12pm on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Charles W. Smith and Sons Funeral Home in Sachse, with a celebration of life directly following.  A brief graveside service will take place at Pleasant Valley Cemetery afterwards for those who wish to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Amazing Grace Food Pantry in Wylie https://www.amazinggracepantry.org/donate/, Ronald McDonald House, or St Jude.