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Holly Bishop (1944)

Name
Holly Bishop
Class
1944
Category
HoF Lifetime Achievement
Induction Year
2011

Holly Bishop was born and raised in Longview at a time when the town was being built. He graduated from R.A. Long as a three year letterman and Most Inspirational Player in football. His experience as a thespian at R.A. Long has served him well by giving him the ease with which to communicate well with people from all walks of life. After high school Holly joined the Navy in 1944 and was immediately assigned to the “Public Relations Mobile Communication Unit”. He was sent to the Pacific during some of the most deadly battles and was responsible for coordinating traffic with stateside radio shortwave and schedule network announcers for ABC, NBC and CBS. Holly was next to General Stilwell, broadcasting the announcement, when the Japanese surrendered. After World War II Holly joined the Armed Forces Radio WXLH Okinawa which entertained the troops. Holly eventually returned to Longview and ready to start his civilian business career. Holly held a variety of jobs in the radio business including ownership of KEDO radio station. He also held jobs operating grocery stores, as a ship Chandler and for nearly 40 years has worked in the Bail Bond business. Through the Bail Bond business he has held a variety of positions in the Washington State Bail Agents Association, including President for 20 years. He was recognized nationally as the United States Bail bondsman of the Year. Because of his involvement in the association Holly has worked closely with senators and congressmen for the betterment of people. His most recent recognition was induction into the Professional Bail Agents of the United States Hall of Fame. Holly has put service over self and has demonstrated the importance of contributing to the community and has been active in local politics by serving on the Longview City Council. Over the years Holly has held strongly in his principles and has exhibited the courage to make tough decisions, for the betterment of the community. Holly’s five children and one grandchild are graduates of R.A. Long and his wife of 63 years Bobbi was an active supporter of the R.A. Long Booster Club and she was a seamstress for the R.A. Long thespians.