Thomas Michael Bishop

Thomas Michael (Mike) Bishop, 57, of Signal Mountain, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2018. Mike was born on March 9, 1960, in Cookeville, TN, to Charles and Shirley Bishop. He married Susan Frost on July 27, 1985, and they were blessed to have 32 years of marriage together.

Mike is survived by his wife Susan, sons, David, Will, and Ben Bishop, and sister, Stacey Adams.

Mike’s family was his priority behind his relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a wonderful, dedicated husband to Susan and a steadfast leader to his sons.

Mike served as Vice President of Research at Tuftco Corp. in a career that spanned more than 30 years. He was a named inventor on many significant patents for systems that create patterned carpet. Mike was driven to research and study new technologies in computer hardware and software, and then applied them to the design and production of carpets and rugs. He was often the first in the industry to utilize those technologies in production. His work took him around the world getting customer feedback and information to create the “next best thing” in manufacturing soft floor covering. He was always curious about the culture and language of the countries he visited and worked in. As a result, he loved to practice the native language with cab drivers or servers, from Europe to China to India. At all times, he interacted with others with the utmost respect and concern, whether he was dealing with the top executives of international companies or the bellmen at hotels. Mike was truly a “people person”.

Memorial services will be held at Wayside Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 19, at 2 p.m. with Dr. Charles Barrett and Dr. Brian Cosby officiating. Visitation with the family will be held at the church prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to: Wayside Presbyterian Church, 2502 Fairmount Pike, Signal Mountain, TN, 37377, or the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist. Please send your condolences online to chattanooganorthchapel.com