Wayne Bishop

Wayne Milton Bishop, 84, of Benton, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the Hospice House in Bryant. He was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas on November 15, 1930. Mr. Bishop was a member and deacon of Spring Creek Baptist Church in Benton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Melba F. Bishop; his parents, Roy Ercel Bishop and Bessie Ruff Bishop and two brothers, Roy E. Bishop and James N. Bishop. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa B. Berry and Amy B. Ashcraft (Dennis); son, Wayne "Bub" M. Bishop Jr. (Missy); five grandchildren, Bart B. Singleton (Danielle), Anna L. Ashcraft, Daniel W. Ashcraft (Brittany), Payton E. Mills (Justin) and Wayne "Trey" M. Bishop III; three great-grandchildren, Hallie G. Bragg, Sawyer W. Singleton and Kobe W. Ashcraft and two sisters, Gene Jerry and Margie Wingfield (Albert). Mr. Bishop graduated from Bryant High School in 1948 and attended Henderson State College. He enlisted in the United States Marines Reserves in 1948–1950 and in 1950 he enlisted in the United Sates Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to Arkansas in September 1953, he owned and operated Bishop's Esso in Benton. In 1959, he started his political career of 26 years working for the people of Saline County; as Saline County Assessor (1959-1962), Saline County Clerk (1963-1976) and Saline County Judge (1977-1984). Visitation will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be at Spring Creek Baptist Church on Thursday, July 2 at 2 p.m. with burial to follow at Kentucky Cemetery. Dr. Terry B. Parrish and Rev. Dr. Albert Wingfield will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Bart Singleton, Daniel Ashcraft, Trey Bishop, Justin Mills, Dennis Ashcraft, Phillip Wingfield, Tony Marquart and Kim Singleton. The family wishes to thank our father's daily caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice House at 23157 I-30 in Bryant, Ark. 72022. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.