To Celebrate a Life of Love: Robert Morris Bishop, Jr.
April 11, 1957 – September 19, 2016
Robert, 59, passed away on September 19, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born April 11, 1957 in San Antonio, Texas to Lucy and Robert Bishop Sr. He attended John Marshall High School in San Antonio and graduated from Texas State University in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration (Marketing). He began his career at Bealls in 1979, where he rose to acting credit manager. Rob joined USAA in 1985 where he remained until 2007. Rob began in new member sales at USAA and advanced to New Member Solutions Manager in 1996. After being selected to join the USAA management team opening the Phoenix operation in 1996, he relocated to Phoenix. In 2007, Rob embarked upon a major career change and enrolled in the Scottsdale Culinary Institute a Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Program. He was then hired by Carefree Resorts as their first ever Pastry Chef.
Rob had a deep love of history and reading. His home, and even his car, was filled with a diverse variety of historical books. Anyone who knew him knows he was never without a book. He also loved old television shows and movies and could expound on trivia for hours. His interest in family history led him to collect and post interesting historical photos of many ancestors for his extended family. Rob’s other passion was with social and political issues. Beginning as early as 1979 Rob was writing letters to his local representatives and newspapers. With the advent of the internet and social media, he posted and reacted often through his online presence, frequently with comments reflecting his dry sense of humor – something else for which Rob was known. Rob could take any situation and find something unexpectedly humorous.
While at USAA, fellow employees have remarked about his talents as a manager who truly cared about his people. He was a wonderful guy and a great person to work with. Friends have commented how he taught them the meaning of true friendship, and even though he might have disagreed with someone, he always remained kind to and respectful of them. A friend commented that one of Rob’s last Facebook posts dealt with Betty Lynn and the Andy Griffith Show. In it Rob said, “One of my all-time favorite TV shows for its focus and respect for individuals and human relationships.” Steve went on to say, “Wow, just loved this small reflection, and truly you see a small portion of Rob’s heart for people and relationships in his quote.”
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Sr. and grandmother Iris Bishop and grandfather Garland Bishop. He is survived by his mother Lucy Bishop; sisters Joni (Rick) Beal and Terri (Mac) Perry; brother Greg (Nanette) Bishop; nephews Daniel Perry, Jacob Perry, Brandon (Whitney) Beal, Ryan Beal, and Layne (Genia) Beal, and nieces Stephanie (Scott) Mussell and Sarah Perry.
Services
There will be Memorial Services in both Phoenix, Arizona and San Antonio, Texas. The Phoenix service will be held at 3:00 PM, Monday, September 26, 2016 in Hansen Mortuary located at 8314 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Arizona (602-944-1561). The San Antonio service will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, September 29th at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4201 De Zavala Road, San Antonio, Texas (210-492-4600).
Please feel free to make a donation to your favorite charity in Rob’s memory.