Ernest Richard Bishop

Ernest Richard Bishop, 74, of Falmouth, KY, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 while returning home from vacation in the Smoky Mountains. Born on July 31, 1951, he was a son of the late Dempsey Robert and Rosemary Varner Bishop. On May 18, 1996 he married Joyce Ann Miller Work and she survives his passing. Their blended family included sons, Ernest Richard Bishop Jr (Becky), Shawn Ray Bishop (Stephanie), Jason William Work (Becky), the late James Joshua Lee Work, and a daughter, Shelly Ranae Bishop. Ernie’s life calling was driving a semi and operating heavy equipment. He was well known for digging ponds, lakes, and grubbing land throughout Pendleton County. He also did work in Harrison, Campbell, and Bracken Counties. Ernie Never met a stranger. By the time the conversation as over, he knew someone you were related to. As Ernie would put it, you were ‘Shirt Tail Kin” to him. Besides driving a truck and operating a dozer and loader, his other passions were cattle and dogs. He loved to sit on his side-by-side and watch the newborn calves playing in the field. You never saw Ernie without his companion by his side; and that wasn’t Joyce, it was his favorite dog! Joyce always said they had to buy dog food before human food because they were more important. If there was ever a man who loved his family more than Ernie, he could not be found. Every phone call, no matter how many times he talked to you, ended with “I Love You”, or “Tell the kids Pappaw loves them.” Ernie has touched so many lives over the years. If you knew him, consider yourself blessed. He was one of a kind and there will never be another. In addition to his wife Joyce and their children, he is survived by siblings, Emma English, Allen Bishop, Steve (Arnetta) Bishop, Bernice (Greg) Camidge, a sister in law, Betty Workman,11 grandchildren; some blood related, some not. That didn’t matter to Ernie, he loved them all. There were 6 grandsons, Harold Richard Harden, Zachary Richard Bishop, Austin Wayne Bishop, Alexander Ray Bishop, Hunter William Work, Brantlee James Work, 5 granddaughters, Tiffany Gail Harden, Marissa Thomas Bishop Ernst, Tristan Ranae Bishop, Destiny Taulbee, and Anna Hope Taulbee. Another accomplishment in his life were the 8 great grandsons and 8 great granddaughters he had been blessed with. He was also looking forward to meeting number 17, a girl, in July. In addition to his son Josh, he was preceded in death by a son in law, Howard “Sugar” Harden, and 2 sisters, Mary Buckley and Susan Miller. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Woodhead Funeral Home in Falmouth with Bro. Greg Olmstead officiating. Pallbearers for the service will be Zachary Bishop, Richard Harden, Jason Barlow, Jeremy Barlow, Rick Terrell, and Alex Bishop. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick King, Joe Bezold, Todd Klaber, Randy Bishop, Russell King, and Donnie Bowles. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Pendleton County. The visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30 from 4-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Woodhead Funeral Home to help offset funeral expenses. 310 W. Shelby Street, Falmouth, KY 41040.

Ernest Richard Bishop

July 31, 1951 - April 26, 2026