Donald Lee Bishop (Don) left his earthly home and went to his eternal home while in the loving arms of his wife, Margaret, on October 10, 2025.
Don was born on April 23, 1947, in Pearisburg, VA to the late Halsey L. and Louise Swaim Bishop. He enjoyed growing up in the Shadow of Angel’s Rest. Those years were spent learning the value of discipline, hard work, stewardship, and worshipping Christ in a loving environment. He had fun times with friends (who knew him as Donnie), delivered newspapers, and participated on football and tennis teams.
Don graduated from Giles High School and went on to attend Virginia Tech. He served his country in the U.S. Army for two years, during which time he went to Vietnam, serving in the First Calvary Division. Upon his discharge, he came to Roanoke where he was introduced to a girl named Margaret Kinzie at a church softball game, and he captured her heart. They both went on to graduate from Virginia Tech.
Don and Margaret were married in 1975 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. God blessed their lives abundantly with the addition of their children and over time their family grew. Their firstborn son, Keith, married Ellen Williams and they have two sons, Ethan and Parker. Their younger son, Kevin, married Allyson Garrett and they have four children, Faith, Benson, Davis, and Anna Grace.
Don played an active role in each of their lives. He was a wonderful Dad, Papa, and Grandpa. He loved spending time with his family, which always included much laughter, telling stories, enjoying meals together, attending their activities, taking special trips with them, and making wonderful memories. If you were around Don for any amount of time, you likely heard him talk about his grandchildren, and he was blessed to have each one of them come to know Christ.
Don recently had the privilege of celebrating 50 years as a State Farm Insurance Agent, and he gained many friends through that association. He was always intent on giving the best service to his clients and helping meet their needs. He also appreciated each person who worked with him and helped him serve in the office through the years.
In the community, one way Don served was through the Salem Sports Foundation. He enjoyed getting to know other members and serve with them, especially selling 50/50 tickets, and he thought Friday night Salem Spartan home games were the best.
From the beginning of their marriage, Don and Margaret valued their faith and their church, which were a major part of their lives. For the last 25 years they have worshipped at Fellowship Community Church. This was their second family. Don so enjoyed talking to friends and sharing in their lives. The Bishop family cannot adequately express their deep appreciation for the prayers and support generously given in Don’s last days.
Don loved people and was led to help them when he could. He was kind, generous, and content. He served his parents and in-laws well. He and Margaret were privileged to travel around the world and see wonderful places together. When friends and family joined them, they brought additional fun and special memories, but Don was always glad to return to Salem and come home. We rejoice knowing that he is now enjoying his eternal home in the Lord’s presence!
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Ann Maultsby and her husband, Terry; his brother Alan Bishop; and his in-laws, Bob and Doris Kinzie.
Along with his wife, his children, and their families, Don is survived by his sister-in-law, Penny Bishop; his sister-in-law Carolyn Clatfelter and her husband Richard; and his sister-in-law, Sandra Bradford and her husband Gary; as well as many special nieces and nephews.
To Honor Don’s life, the family will have a time of visitation at John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home located in Salem, VA, on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m. and again from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held at Fellowship Community Church on Red Lane in Salem on October 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to Fellowship Community Church at PO Box 2143, Salem, VA 24153, or to your own home church.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
