Wallace Bond “Wally” Bishop was born in Normal, Illinois. He first visited St. Petersburg in 1928 and later moved here from New York City. Known as one of the deans among American cartoonists, he drew the comic strip “Muggs and Skeeter” for 49 years.

Mr. Bishop was influenced early by “The Gumps” creator and fellow townsman, Sidney Smith. A summer as a copy boy was followed by enrollment in the American Academy of Arts in Chicago.

After his move to St. Petersburg, he became a prominent member of St. Petersburg’s sports, art and dramatic circles.

A versatile cartoonist, Mr. Bishop was a showman as well. In his early days he worked occasionally as a drummer, he emceed numerous charity and benefit shows, and gave “chalk talks” about his art.

Mr. Bishop was also an avid sportsman. He enjoyed tennis and golf but sailing was his passion. A life member of the International Lightening Class Association, he was active in the Southern Ocean Racing Circuit (SORC). In 1935 he won fame in yachting circles when he placed second in the St. Petersburg to Havana race while piloting the 25 foot Little Dipper.

He served his country in the Coast Guard as a flier during World War II and was later transferred to the Navy, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He left the service as a lieutenant commander.

Mr. Bishop took an active interest in the community. He was a founder and board member of the St. Petersburg Museum of Fine Arts. He served on the boards of the United Fund (Way) and the American Red Cross. He served St. Anthony’s Hospital as an Anthonian.

He was a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Arts, London, England.

Mr. Bishop was member of numerous social and charitable organizations including the St. Petersburg-Tampa professional chapter of Sigma Delta Chi, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Dragon Club, Bath Club of Redington Beach. He was also a member of the Evansville Elks Club, the Evansville Country Club, the National Cartoonists Society, the Artists and Writers Clubs of New York City, and the Founders Club of the University of Evansville.