Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rodger E. Bishop, age 84, passed away October 29th at Palmetto Health Tuomey.

Chief Bishop retired from the United States Air Force after 31 years of active duty as a Personnel Technician, Personnel Superintendent, and Personnel Resource Manager, and was hired by Civil Service as a Personnel Manager, retiring again in 1993. He will be remembered for his patriotism, professionalism, and compassion. Chief Bishop received many honors, to include the Bronze Star, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and Personnel Manager of the Year for the Tactical Air Command. He loved serving his country and did so with pride. After retirement, Rodger enjoyed gardening, working in the community, spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends, traveling, and working in his church doing missions with the youth and disaster relief. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon for many years, was a Sunday school teacher for the Senior Adult Men’s Class, sang in the Senior Adult Choir, and served on numerous committees.

Rodger is survived by his wife of 65 years, Margaret, a son, Brett and his wife Nancy of Sumter; a daughter-in-law, Jan Bishop, of Columbia, North Carolina; seven grandsons and their wives: Andrew and Rebekah, of Sumter; Mitch and Ashley, of Elizabeth City, NC; Mac and Kate, of Wanchese, NC; Paul, of Raleigh, NC; Rodger II, of Clemson, SC; Parker, of Wilmington, NC; and Lucas and Mackenzie, of Sumter, SC; five great grandchildren, Liam, Ken III, Devon, Ella, and Izzy; a brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Betty, of Arden, NC; a sister, Joan Lawson, of Union, SC; a sister-in-law, Joyce Bishop, of Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rodger was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Madge Bishop; a son, Kenneth Mitchel Bishop, Sr.; and brothers, Bob and Jerry Bishop.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 4th at Grace Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Sumter Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 3rd at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home, 515 Miller Road.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC, 29150; McLeod Chapel, UMC, 280 McLeod Chapel Road, Rembert, SC, 29218; or the charity of your choice.

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