Bobby Ray Bishop

Bobby Ray Bishop, beloved son of Sudie Ann Beckworth and Ira Oliver “Doc” Bishop, was born on January 6th, 1942 in Emanuel County, Georgia. Bobby passed away peacefully on February 15th, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones and in the comfort of his own home.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at his home church, Martinez Baptist Church, beginning at 12:00 P.M. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 A.M. 

A graduate of Emanuel County Institute, he went on to serve his country in the United States Army until his honorable discharge in 1968.  Bobby then leveraged his savvy business sense as an entrepreneur owning and operating several local convenience stores. He went on to begin his next career with Hardee's Corporation as a Franchise Service Consultant. This position enabled him to travel throughout the southeast, overseeing the building and development of new Hardee's restaurants from the ground up before retiring as a free-lance operations manager after thirty-four gratifying years.

In addition to his business endeavors, Bobby was a philanthropist at heart. He was passionate about continuously giving back and getting involved with his community. This was exemplified by his lifetime membership in the Swainsboro Moose Lodge #130.

Bobby held the prestigious title of Exalted Ruler with the Elks Club #205 in Augusta, Georgia. In this role, Bobby utilized his lucrative business skills and dedication to uphold the values and represent the spirit of American patriotism and fellowship of Augusta Elks at many conferences and conventions.

Bobby was the High Commander of American Legion Post #63, where he supported the legion by organizing community events and philanthropic ventures while maintaining the high standards of the organization.

As a beloved member of Martinez Baptist Church, Bobby proudly served on the finance committee for as long as his health allowed and adored being a part of his church family.

While Bobby focused a lot on business, his tenacity for life flourished a love and passion for travel, which was shared by his wife Betty. He took a particular fascination in immersing himself in foreign local destinations and thrived on the diverse cultures he was able to experience throughout his travels. Bobby and Betty shared many adventures together, a few being an extraordinary 7 transatlantic voyages, one exhilarating 21-day cruise in the Pacific Ocean and many Caribbean cruises. 

Sadly, Bobby suffered a severe stroke in February 2016, leaving him partially paralyzed and wheelchair bound. This did not hinder Bobby’s tenacity; his determination was so great that many of these memories were created despite being confined to a wheelchair. He relished the pleasures of travel; the more complex the travel arrangements, the more thrilled he was. One of his travel itineraries for example, included a ship, using 2 separate railroads in Europe, many hotels, a rental car, and two different airplane rides. Yet, he still maintained an utmost appreciation for the comforts of home.

Bobby, affectionately known as “Deddy” to his kids, was a loving father, husband, and grandfather whose lively spirit will be deeply missed and forever dancing in Heaven.

Bobby is preceded in death by his loving parents, Sudie Ann Beckworth and Doc Bishop, and by his infant brother. He is survived by his wife, Betty F. Bishop; his son, Robert Baron Bishop; his daughter, Michelle Bishop Ivey; his grandchildren, Karsyn Lee Ivey, Tripp Ivey, Stormy Evans, Brandi Michelle Hickman, Christian Cameron Bishop, Kayla Marie Matzke, Meagan Bishop; and ten great-grandchildren.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Martinez Baptist Church Building Fund.

The Bishop family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Promedica Hospice for their care and support during a difficult time.