Mr. Earnest Adrian (Sonny) Bishop, age 79, passed away July 17, 2026, to be with his Heavenly Father. He was born to Ernest D. Bishop and Donia Elizabeth (Blackie) Bishop.

Ernie was a resident of Freeport, Florida. Ernie graduated from Freeport High School in 1965, where he was awarded a basketball scholarship to Okaloosa Walton College. After attending college, Ernie enlisted in the United States Army. He was deployed to Vietnam to a Special Forces unit, from which he was awarded several distinguished medals for acts of valor and dedication. He was a Patriot! Upon returning home from Vietnam, he became employed with CHELCO as a lineman and Supervisor of Dispatch Operations. After a number of years, he chose to retire to spend time with his family, friends, and acquaintances.

Ernie was preceded in death by his father, Ernest D. Bishop; mother, Donia Elizabeth (Blackie) Bishop; and his Special daughter-in-law, Margaret (Marti) Bishop.

Ernie is survived by his son, Brian A Bishop; his life companion of 35 years, Gale Laye; his granddaughter, Mary Beth Bishop; and great-granddaughter, Alanis Watson.

Ernie was a soft-spoken, gentle man who will be sadly missed by his family, cousins, friends, and everyone who ever met him. He will be remembered for his kind, caring heart.

Graveside Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Black Creek Memorial Cemetery; 278 Memorial Ln, Freeport, FL 32439.

Flowers are being accepted.

Burial will be held at Black Creek Memorial Cemetery