Donald Virgil Bishop, age 73, of Summertown, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026. Funeral service was held Tuesday, April 7, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home with Reverend Mark Hardin and Reverend Jamie Johnson officiating. Interment followed at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum. Family received friends Monday, April 6, from 6 to 8:00 p.m. at Chapman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Devin Snipes, Zach Paige, Zeb Paige, Tom Phillips, Zach Bramlitt and Larry Bell.
Honorary pallbearers were Summertown City Clerk Linda Kirkland; Summertown City Council members Nicky Drake, Joe Kirkland, Linda Brady, Tracy Radford, and Perry Johnson; and Summertown staff member Jason Kirkland.
Don was born April 23, 1952, in Swainsboro, to the late Virgil Bishop and Mary Smith Bishop. Donald Virgil Bishop, beloved by family and friends, lived a life marked by strength, community, and responsible stewardship. Born in Swainsboro, Don built a career as a relationship-driven automotive salesman where he was known for unwavering integrity, trust, and a steady sense of humor. He lived the entirety of his life in Summertown. As Mayor of the city of Summertown for over twenty years, Don thrived in ensuring community support healthy infrastructure and in maintaining the cute and quaint place Summertown is known as for many. He enjoyed gardening, do-it-yourself projects in the yard, and cruising around the town on the golf cart.
A steadfast husband, Don enjoyed Sunday suppers with family. He married Linda Bishop in 1971, and together they raised two children, Rex and Chase. Grandchildren were central to his life, and many will remember his and close friends were central to his life, and many will remember him as hardworking, funny, and an excellent storyteller. Those who knew him recall steady hands in difficult times, and a ready laugh that brightened ordinary days. Don’s legacy is the care he showed others and the simple, faithful way he lived. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him. Mr. Bishop is preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Linda M. Bishop of Summertown; sons, Rex Bishop of Summertown and Chase Bishop of Savannah; grandchildren, Jade Bishop (Levi Stapleton) of Meeks and Evans Bishop of Swainsboro; great-grandson, Jaxson Bishop; several other family members and friends.
Chapman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
