Joseph Henry Bishop Sr., or, better known as “Joe Henry” to those who loved and knew him, formerly of Swan Quarter, celebrated his first birthday in Heaven, on Wednesday, June 22, 2016. 

Born on August 21, 1943, to Guy Thomas Bishop and Lillian Olivia Boomer, in Knoxville, TN, Joe Henry was quite the inquisitive, studious and determined young man. He moved to Apex, NC, for his senior year in high school, on his own, to gain enough credits to pursue his interest in chemistry at UNC. As fate would have it, however, his mentors at the time, convinced him a degree in electronics was the way to go — and given how technology has progressed since then, it was a wise choice.

He graduated from Apex High School and enrolled in Wilson Technical Institute, where he earned an Associate Degree in Electronics and met his former wife, Judy, with whom he has three children — Joanna, Joey, and Stewart.

Upon graduation, he became employed with Southern Bell as an electronics technician. This is where he met his best friend, with whom he would later voluntarily enlist into the United States Army. Joe had a profound love and respect for his country, and those who knew him, knew that, first and foremost. He was a Captain who bravely and proudly led troops in two tours of Vietnam — where he sadly lost his best friend. After ten years of service, Joe returned to civilian life and continued his career in electronics. He worked for Sylvania, in Smithfield, NC, upon discharge, as an electronics technician and authored several technical books. He eventually moved back to the place where he was raised and would eventually retire, Swan Quarter, NC.

He worked for the Dare County Bombing Range and Lockheed Martin for a number of years and eventually retired from the NC Department of Corrections in 2013. Because of his background in electronics and technology, he became the resident computer guy in Hyde County for a time. He was quite the green thumb, and as long as he was able, he had a flush garden and a porch filled with the most beautiful red roses. He was also well known for his master grilling skills and was always eager to cater to and feed the masses. In his retirement, he spent his time enjoying his family and his grandchildren, whom he loved with all his heart.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2016 at Christ’s Church of Rosebay. Linwood Smith officiated. Burial followed in the family cemetery at his home, 118 Sadie Weston Road, Swan Quarter.

In addition to his children, surviving is a brother, William Linwood Smith, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The family received friends Saturday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

Online sympathy messages can be directed to www.bryanfs.com.