Mr. Robert James “Bobby” Bishop, 78, husband of late Torchie Mae Bishop and a resident of Saxis, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, unexpectedly at home.
Bobby was born on July 4, 1942, in Nassawadox. Bobby was the town cop of Saxis in his younger years, but was notably remembered as a commercial waterman for the duration of his life. He spent the last 40 years working side-by-side with his son, David, fishing the waters of the Pocomoke Sound. Bobby was a family man who spent many years caring for his mother-in-law, wife, and daughter as they steered through the medical troubles thrown at them. What may have seemed an overwhelming responsibility to most, Bobby took in stride. Bobby was rarely seen without his daughter, Karen. They spent their whole life together and were quite the duo. He would probably say she kept him straight. His son and daughter-in-law gave him two granddaughters to love over the years and while he enjoyed watching them grow, he had a special love for his two great-grandchildren. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren very dearly and shared a unique bond with each one of them. To say they were the apples of his eyes would be an understatement. He also had a great love for animals. He had become an adopted father to many cats on Saxis, providing them a home, love, food, and vet care. He could often be seen riding the streets of Saxis on his golf cart, stopping to visit with neighbors. Bobby was a hard worker all his life and had an inviting personality. His determination and values of family touched many people.
Bobby was preceded in death by his wife, Torchie Bishop; parents, Paul and Margaret Bishop; and brother, Arthur Bishop. He leaves behind his daughter, Karen Bishop, of Saxis; son, David Bishop, and his wife, Alisa, of Oak Hall; granddaughters, Shelby Bishop and Alysen Bozman; two great-grandchildren, Paityn Bozman and Lelend Bozman; and cousins and many beloved friends.
Funeral services will be private. The family plans to hold a memorial service on the Eastern Shore once it is safe to gather.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bobby’s memory can be made to the SPCA.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley.
To sign the guest book online, visit www.thorntonfuneralhome.net
