E. Neil Bishop

E. Neil Bishop passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2021. Neil was born May 12, 1935 in Marietta, Georgia to Benjamin Hemphill (B.H.) and Mary Florence Hicks Bishop. The youngest of four, Neil grew up on his family farm on Wylie Road in Marietta. Neil attended Osborne High School where he played varsity basketball, was a member of the Beta Club, and graduated in 1954. Neil married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Hemmer Bishop on September 7, 1957 and was a proud father to Beth and Ben. During high school, Neil developed a passion for the construction business while working for Charles J. Thomas Construction. He pursued this passion at Georgia Tech where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction in 1960. While attending Tech, Neil joined the Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC) and joined the United States Army, receiving a Commission as Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve upon graduation and later as First Lieutenant. Upon graduating from Tech, Neil was hired as an Assistant Superintendent for Ben Massell Realty & Development where he helped to construct the Atlanta Merchandise Mart. In 1968, Neil incorporated Bishop Contracting Company, specializing in commercial and industrial construction in the metropolitan Atlanta area where he built churches, schools, and restaurants, including Benihana, Krispy Kreme and Popeyes. Neil continued his education in his field, holding General Contractors License Number 89 in the State of Georgia as well as becoming a licensed HVAC contractor. Neil was active in his community throughout his life. He was a life-long member of New Hope United Methodist Church and served as the Trustee Chairman for several years. He was the CEO of the New Hope Cemetery Fund. While his children attended Wheeler High School, Neil became the President of the Athletic Booster Club where he was responsible for painting the stripes on the football field before each game during Corky Kell’s tenure. Neil served on the City of Marietta Zoning Appeals Board for over ten years. Neil was a real-estate developer owning multiple commercial and residential properties. Neil enjoyed spending time at his property on the Etowah River in Dawson County. He enjoyed trout fishing in Helen and deep-sea fishing in Destin. He liked to ride motorcycles and occasionally even a snow mobile. He spent summer vacations with his family shrimping in Jekyll Island and was known to make a mean margarita which he always served in ten-gallon Igloo coolers at his legendary 4th of July barbeques. Neil is survived by his sister Sue Bishop Davis; daughter Dr. Elizabeth Bishop McGee (Stephen Williams); son Benjamin N. (Ben) Bishop (Dana); grandchildren Dr. Matthew McGee (Amanda), Catie Bishop, Laura McGee Pitts (Kevin), Mary Margaret Bishop Posey (Eric) and Sara Grace Bishop; great-grandchildren Harper Posey, Bowen Posey and Molly McGee; and many nieces and nephews. Neil is preceded in death by his adoring wife Dorothy Elizabeth Hemmer Bishop; sisters Louise Bishop Chastain and Elizabeth ‘Anne’ Bishop Mitchell; and parents Benjamin Hemphill and Mary Florence Hicks Bishop. An intimate graveside service will be held on Monday, January 25th at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope United Methodist Church in Marietta with Rev. Joseph Dobrowolski and Rev. Andrew Cunningham (nephew) officiating. Donations may be made to the New Hope Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 2135, Marietta, GA 30061 in Neil’s memory. The family will host a celebration of his life at a later date. Arrangements by Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home www.mayeswarddobbins.com 770-428-1511

E. Neil Bishop

May 12, 1935 - January 21, 2021