November 03, 1945 – January 16, 2024
Robert Clifton Bishop, 78, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 16, 2024. He was born November 03, 1945, in Greenwood, MS to Clifton Franklin Bishop and Claudia Roberts Bishop. He was an only child.
He and his family moved to Glendora when he was young. He graduated from West Tallahatchie High School where he enjoyed playing basketball. He attended Delta State University as his parents did and later his son would attend.
After completing basic training, Robert chose to serve his country as a member of the Army Reserves in Greenwood, Ms. He also served in the National Guard in Webb, MS.
The majority of his life was spent in Mississippi Delta, a place and lifestyle that remains unique. His occupation was farming acres of the rich Mississippi Delta soil. He gave his attention to the major crops of corn, soybeans, and cotton. One of his favorite experiences as a farmer was to “smell the ground” being prepared in the spring for planting. The smell was invigorating, and he saw it as a birthing of the land. He never considered another occupation or way of life. He was attached to the land and what it produced. This rich land and culture were a fiber of him, deep and fulfilling.
Robert was a member of First Baptist Church of Sumner where he served as a deacon and was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class. After moving to Starkville, he became a member of First Baptist Church in Starkville. His faith in God was strong and he often acknowledged God’s grace by saying “I’m So Blessed”.
He was a man of many interests. After retirement he loved playing golf and living at Old Waverly in West Point, MS. He enjoyed sitting on his porch balcony interacting with golfers and enjoying the beautiful view of the lake and sunsets. Gathering with friends of the Old Waverly Breakfast and Lunch Club was one of the highlights of his day. Previously, he supported the local golfing community for many years maintaining the Bayou Bend Country Club Golf Course.
He was extremely proud to be an Ole Miss Rebel fan and enjoyed football on a beautiful fall day at Vaught- Hemingway Stadium. He was also a fan of major league baseball and college basketball.
Robert enjoyed travel and sharing the details of the experience with others.
Robert has been described as a good man. He was quiet, polite, respectful, and funny. He was intelligent and reserved, but with a twinkle in his eye. A strong man that displayed dignity, warmth and devotion to his family and friends. He has been given the title of “My Southern Gentleman” by some that knew him well. He was known to be a man who could be counted on to do the right thing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Franklin Bishop and Claudia Roberts Bishop, his wife Sharon Cox Bishop, Paternal grandparents Ernest Bishop and Birdie A. Carter and maternal grandparents Alfred G Roberts and Clemmie Simmons.
He is survived by his son Clarke Reeves Bishop, Cathedral City, CA. and special friend and companion, Retha L. Bushby, West Point, MS. and several cousins and their families.
Family and friends are invited to pay their final respects on Friday, January 26th at First Baptist Church of Sumner. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:30pm with the service immediately following. Burial will be held at a later date with Kimbro Funeral Home in Marks, MS.
Memorial donations in Robert’s honor may be made to First Baptist Church of Sumner, P.O. Box 145, Sumner, MS 38957.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at North Mississippi Medical Center CCU Unit in Tupelo and medical staff at West Point for their dedication and compassionate care. A special heartfelt thanks goes to Dr. Juan Jose Martin who showed a great amount of compassion and dedication to Robert in his time of need.
Robert Clifton Bishop will be missed beyond measure. May he rest in eternal peace.
God looked down from his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker”, so God made a Farmer
