French Bishop Jr.

BISHOPVILLE — French Bishop Jr., beloved husband of Lois C. Bishop, died Sunday, June 9, 2013.

He was born Sept. 27, 1938, in Kingsport, Tenn., to the late French Sr. and Winifred Gibson Bishop. French graduated from Leon High School in 1956 and went in to the United States Army as a bulldozer instructor. He later also served in the National Guard. He graduated from St. Petersburg Junior College and from the University of South Florida, receiving a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. While employed by the Milton Roy Co., French designed, built and installed the first artificial kidney dialysis machine. In 1977, he relocated to Bishopville. He worked as a senior electrical engineer at Carolina Power and Light, until retiring in 1994. In 1995, he returned to work with the State of South Carolina Department of Transportation. He worked in the communications department for District 5 until his retirement in February 2013.

French was a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Bishopville, where he served as head deacon and brotherhood chairman. He was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class. French was a member of I.E.E.E., Bishopville Lodge 104, The Sumter Amateur Radio Association, and The Florence Amateur Radio Club.

He was predeceased by his parents; twin brother, Calvin Bishop; grandparents, Henry C. and Bessie Bishop; and son, John L. Maddocks IV.

He is survived by his son, James H. Bishop (Phylis) of Moncks Corner; daughter, Deborah Liady (Eduardo Mitchell) of Roanoke, Va.; sister, Patricia Parker (Larry) of Crystal River, Fla.; grandchildren, Christopher Schneider of Gainesville, Fla., Melinda Schneider of Roanoke, Va., Kimberly Parmigiano (John) of Roanoke, Micheal Bishop of Moncks Corner, and Kristina Bishop of Moncks Corner; nephews, Sean O’Neal of St. Louis, Mo., Patrick Parker of Vance, Ala., and Shay Parker of Crystal River; and many cousins and dear friends that had become part of his family.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Bethany Baptist Church, 1128 Manville-St. Charles Highway, with Dr. James Chandler officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Thursday at Bethany Baptist Church and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Baptist Church, c/o Fred Sandy, 2600 Racoon Road, Mayesville, SC 29104.

Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.