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Floor Speech

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Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Worley ``Skip'' Bishop, Jr., who passed away on September 7th, at the age of 83. Mr. Bishop dedicated his life to his family, students, and the community of Floyd, Virginia.

Worley ``Skip'' Bishop Jr. was born on October 14, 1940, to Worley S. ``Sam'' Bishop, Sr. and Estella ``Jackie'' Bishop. He was a natural athlete and excelled at playing baseball, basketball, and golf.

Skip had a big heart for his home in Floyd, Virginia. He served as Mayor for nearly two decades and was determined to make Floyd a vibrant, thriving community.

He taught at Floyd County High School, in Floyd, Virginia and deeply cared for his students and athletes.

He coached for 35 years earning various accolades including: District Golf Coach of the Year six times; District Baseball Coach of the Year four times; Timberland Golf Coach of the Year four times; State Basketball Coach of the Year in 1985. Under his direction, Floyd County Basketball was the State Runner Up in 1987, and the Floyd County High School Golf team became State Champions in 2000, 2001, 2006, and 2007.

Skip's greatest love was his family and was proud to be known as Dad and Papa. His marriage to Martha Ann Bass Bishop for 59 years, produced loving and joyful, as they shared two children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Martha; daughter, Sandra ``Sandi'' Bishop Smith; son, Michael ``Mike'' (Jessica) Bishop; grandchildren, Stefan ``Sam'' (Michaela) Bishop, Sydney Smith, Joel ``Max'' (Hailey) Bishop and Sloan Smith; great-grandchildren, Sofia, Daisy, Killian, Echo, Revan and Fox Bishop; his dearly loved sister, Loretta (Jack) Bishop Hicks; and many beloved cousins and friends.

Skip is preceded in death by his father, Worley S. ``Sam'' Bishop, Sr.; his mother, Estella ``Jackie'' Bishop; his granddaughter, Sawyer Lynn Smith; and many beloved cousins and friends.

Worley ``Skip'' Bishop, Jr. was larger than life. Whether you called him Skip, Dad, Papa, or Coach, he is dearly missed and remembered by all who knew him, and especially in Floyd County, Virginia.

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