Dwight A. Bishop

Dwight A. Bishop, 72, of Duffield, Virginia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at his residence.

He was born October 22, 1953, in Duffield, Virginia, a son of the late Roy R. Bishop and Edith Kindle Bishop.

Dwight's life was rooted in music, and each chapter was more unique than the last. He loved sharing stories of the people he met and the experiences he had along the way. He loved telling jokes, and his laughter was contagious. He cherished every opportunity to discover something new.

Depending on where and when you met Dwight, you may have known a different version of him. One person described him as "a Divine Original," and that phrase sums him up well. He never met an instrument he couldn't play, and seldom did he come across anything that he couldn’t figure out how to make.

During the 1980s and into the early 2000s, Dwight turned his extensive musical knowledge into a career by opening Bishop's Mountain Music, with locations in Dungannon and Gate City over the years, later culminating in Wood House Recording Studio. Hundreds of musicians gathered in the Sinking Creek bottom and along the locally-famous 100-foot porch to play music on Friday nights. Dwight always created a special place where musicians could share their talents, and he had a remarkable gift for making others feel appreciated and confident in their music.

He was a storyteller, an artist, and a creator. There seemed to be no limit to his imagination, artistic vision, or ability to repurpose and transform ordinary objects into something extraordinary. Friends and family were often amazed by his creativity. He delighted in every stage of creating a gift, from the initial sketch to hunting for parts, building prototypes, and finally presenting it in his signature brown paper wrapping, tied with seagrass twine and adorned with a few iconic pinecones.

The final chapters of his musical journey were mostly unplugged. Armed with a mountain banjo fashioned from a cabinet door and playing a style taught to him as a teenager by his Great-Aunt Ella Taylor, Dwight immersed himself in old-time music. He began this adventure alongside his daughter, Kindle, and later he formed the group Appalachian Dream Spinners with some dear friends, creating treasured memories while preserving the traditions he loved.

He eventually rounded out his musical career alongside his close friend, Cyndee Harr, as one half of the duo Bishop & Gray-Harr. Playing mostly originals, their energy, songwriting, talents, and unforgettable adventures created something truly magical and contagious for those fortunate enough to hear them perform.

Being "Pop" was one of Dwight's favorite roles in life. He loved his grandchildren, Elijah, Seth, and Elizabeth, and found great joy in encouraging their creative talents and unique interests. Whether they were pursuing music, hobbies, sports, or any new adventure, he couldn't wait to hear all about their experiences and accomplishments. He celebrated their individuality, inspired their curiosity, and wanted each of them to feel special. Pop was their biggest fan, and they always knew they had a champion in him.

Through every season of life, Dwight loved the Lord and possessed a special gift for sharing and explaining God's Holy Word.

Dwight was truly one of a kind, and his unique spirit touched everyone he met.

In addition to his parents, Dwight was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Nora Lee Bishop; his brother, Norman Bishop; his nephew, Greg Lawson, whom he loved like a brother; and his dearest friend, Cyndee Gray-Harr.

To cherish his memory and continue telling his stories, he leaves behind his daughter, Kindle Conkin and husband, Ben Conkin; grandsons, Elijah Horton and Seth Conkin; and granddaughter, Elizabeth Horton, all of Kingsport, Tennessee. He also leaves behind his loving sister, May Belle Lawson; his very special nephew, closest friend, and brother in all but name, Shannon Bishop; his niece, Rebecca Gunnoe; his dear friend, prayer warrior, and musical instrument trading buddy, Randy Sluss, whom he loved like a brother; and his dear friend, Richard Gilliam.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Log House Church, 2368 US Hwy 23 N, Weber City, Virginia. Funeral services will follow immediately after the visitation, with Brother Bill Tignor officiating and music provided by friends and family. Burial will follow at Fraley Cemetery in the Pattonsville community of Duffield, Virginia.

Serving as pallbearers will be friends and family including: Shannon Bishop, Dwayne Bishop, Ben Conkin, Seth Conkin, Elijah Horton, and Randy Sluss. Richard Gilliam will serve as honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Scott County JAMS or the Mountain Empire Community College Mountain Music School. Supporting young musicians and preserving Appalachian musical traditions were causes close to Dwight's heart. The family believes there is no better way to honor his memory than by helping others discover the same joy, creativity, friendships, and lifelong love of music that shaped his life.