Big Stone Gap, VA – Carl Robert “Cannonball” Bishop, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Appalachia, VA and lived in Big Stone Gap most of his life. He was a proud U. S. Marine, having served in Vietnam. He was a coal miner with Westmoreland Coal Company with 25 years of service and a member of the U.M.W.A. He loved watching sports on TV and making his daily rounds to visit with family and friends. Robert’s family was his pride and joy, and he wouldn’t miss an opportunity to spend time with them. He was a Christian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Jay and Violet Myrtle Adams Bishop; and his siblings, Cecil Jay Bishop, Jr. and Terry Jay Bishop
Robert is survived by his children, Chad Bishop (Mandy) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Greg Bishop (Angie) of Big Stone Gap, VA, Karla Bishop (Brian Prichard) of Somerset, KY and Doug Bishop (Christy) of Greeneville, TN; his siblings, Lois Thomas of Commercial Point, OH, Gloria Early of Sebastian, FL, Brenda Bishop of Big Stone Gap, VA and Larry “Cornbread” Bishop of Big Stone Gap, VA; his grandchildren, Brittany Hubbard (Brandon), Kristen Clark (Anthony), Brock Dishner, Kamron Bishop, Braxton Bishop (Hannah), Mia Bishop (Jordan Jones), Brook Robinette, Taylor Bishop, Makayla Shult (Dustin), Laci Bishop (Trey Robertson), Bailey McIntyre, Drake McIntyre, Maddox Bishop and Jaxen Bishop; his great grandchildren, Layla Clark, Ava Hubbard and Emberlyn Robertson and several nieces and nephews. Robert is also survived by his companion, Edna Sharon Congleton and her sons, Jason Congleton and Gary Congleton (Dawn). Robert had a special bond, over the years, with his U. S. Marine brothers.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 1:00-3:00pm at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. The service will begin at 3:00pm with Cotton Gardner officiating.
Military rites, by the U. S. Marine Corp. Honors Team and local V.F.W. and D.A.V., will precede the service.
Final arrangements will be private.
Gilliam Funeral home is honored to serve the Bishop Family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.