John Franklin Fishe

John “Skip” Franklin Fishe, 81, of Stanley passed away on February 12th, 2026. Born on November 18, 1944, Skip lived a life defined by commitment, devotion, and faith.

Skip was proudly married and to his wife, Irene Fishe, for 61 years. Together they built a strong and loving family. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Fishe Williams and her husband, Scott Williams; his grandson, Justin Williams and his wife, Graylin; his granddaughter, Ashley Williams; and his great-grandchildren, Eastyn and Jayce Williams and his brother in law, Todd Young.

Skip proudly served his country in the United States Army and the Army National Guard. He also served his community as a member of the Stanley Town Council for several years. He retired from American Cyanamid and later from the Gaston County Sheriff’s Department, dedicating much of his life to service. He loved his baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves, but his most favorite player was his grandson, Justin and loved watching his granddaughter Ashley dance.

Skip had a lifelong love for baseball and was a devoted Atlanta Braves fan. He loved his country deeply and was steadfastly devoted to his family. He was present for every moment with his wife and daughter and made it a priority to be present and celebrate every milestone in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday February 18 at Gaston Memorial Park In Gastonia with Full Military Honors. Visitation will be held Tuesday February 17 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Benson Funeral & Cremation Services, Mt. Holly. 

More than any title or accomplishment, Skip will be remembered for the kind of person he was — steady, faithful, and genuinely a good person. He lived a life of integrity, treated others with respect, and quietly led by example as a man, husband, father, and grandfather. Above all, he boldly shared his faith in Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, which guided his life and shaped his legacy.