Richard "Dickie" Bishop
Richard Kyle Bishop “Dickie”, 77, of Riner, Virginia, passed away on October 11, 2025.
Dickie was born in 1948 in Christiansburg, Virginia, at Altamont Hospital to Kyle N. Bishop (“Pa”) and Ida Mae Bishop (“MaMae”). He graduated from Auburn High School in 1966 and shortly thereafter married his wife, Ita, on June 11, 1966.
Dickie devoted his life to working on his family’s dairy farm, where he found joy in the everyday tasks of farm life. Whether he was tending to the cows, working the fields, or mixing feed, he took great pride in his work and his crops. His lifelong ambition was to have a registered dairy herd—an achievement he proudly reached, along with countless other accomplishments throughout his life.
Beyond his dedication to farming, Dickie was a well-loved and respected member of the Riner community. Known for his gentle heart, strength, and deep compassion, he never hesitated to help a neighbor or lend a hand. He lived out his Christian faith in all he did and loved the Lord with all his heart.
He was a loved son and brother, devoted husband, a proud and supportive father, a cherished Grandaddy and Great-Grandaddy, and a beloved friend. His legacy lives on in his four children, Melissa and Daryl Anderson, Michelle and Brian Underwood, KJ and Annette Bishop, and Marlo and Jeff Dean; ten grandchildren who adored him, Woodrow and Alis Underwood, Augustus and Natalie Underwood, Riley Underwood, Kayleigh Bishop, Ruben and Clara Dean, Tanner and Anne Dean, Adam and Shannon Bishop, Maddie Dean, Samantha Anderson, and J.T. Anderson; and 7 great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy,
David, Adaline, Daniel, Audrey, Everleigh, Barrett, and Declan Underwood; sister, Majorie Morgan (Ron); and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He also had a soft spot for his cows and furry friends—Blue, Hope, and Max.
Dickie was a man of humor and deep wisdom. He was famous for serenading the cows with elevator music in the milking parlor, slipping away to “treat a cow” while his kids finished the milking, and responding to life’s ups and downs with his signature “Oh golly” and an unmistakable giggle. He was a sharp shooter, enjoyed fishing and was an expert dirt road navigator.
He never missed a chance to support his grandchildren, cheering them on from the bleachers at every game he could get to. No road trip from a ball game was complete without a stop for food—and a second stop for ice cream, whether the game was near or far.
He loved a good tomato sandwich and, no doubt, is now enjoying one on the streets of gold.
One of his favorite sayings was, “Call me anything but late to lunch,” and his family will forever cherish his wit, his wisdom, and the love he gave so freely.
Dickie’s life was a testimony to the power of hard work, unwavering faith, and unconditional love. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the family he raised.
The family would like give special thanks to the LewisGale ER on Route 8 in Christiansburg.
A visitation to celebrate his life will be from 1 until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Riner Fire Department or the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, in honor of Dickie’s memory.
The Bishop family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
