Obituary

In Loving Memory of William Theodore Bishop Sr.

William Theodore Bishop Sr. passed away peacefully and into the loving hands of his Lord and Savior on December 27, 2022, in Goodyear, Maricopa County, Arizona. He was affectionately known to family and friends as “Coach” and called “Boomp” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Coach was born February 20, 1936, in East Saint Louis, Saint Clair County, Illinois. His faith in God and his love of camaraderie in team sports followed him throughout his personal and professional life, allowing him to do what he loved the most which was helping to make a difference in the lives of his family, young people, students, and athletes.

Coach was preceded in death by his parents Oscar Theodore Bishop and Norma Evelyn Bishop (nee Peek), and his brothers Robert Dale Bishop and John Richard Bishop.

Coach is survived by the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Patricia Ann Bishop (nee Cook), sisters Jackie Mae Vogt (nee Bishop) and Judith Lee Holbrook (nee Bishop).

Coach’s legacy includes being blessed with three children and their spouses: son, William Theodore Bishop Jr., his spouse Holli Yvonne Bishop (nee Jaskulski), daughter, Kimberly Louise Bishop, and son, Michael Andrew Bishop Sr., his spouse Summerlee Masako Bishop (nee Jones); bonus daughter-in-law, Rhonda Lanette Bishop (nee Coles); 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many nephews and nieces.

Coach served honorably from August 22, 1954 – April 30, 1963, as an Airman Basic in the United States Air Force and as a Private First Class, Combat Engineer, in the United States Army. Coach was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a beloved coach and mentor for many people in his life.

Services honoring Coach will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, 10:00am at Christ Presbyterian Church, 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, Arizona 85338. Graveside services, including full Military Honors, at Coach’s final resting place will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, 1:30pm at Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery, 23100 W. Broadway Road, Buckeye, Arizona 85236.

Coach’s kind heart, giving nature and positive impact on so many lives will be missed by a multitude of family and friends too numerous to count. He was 86 years old.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hospice of the Valley – Team T.