Mr. Richard Kyle Bishop

He was born on December 22, 1926, in Richmond, Virginia, to Kyle Orval Bishop and Ruth Pease Bishop.

Richard graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond in 1944, where he proudly served as Cadet Captain of F Company during his senior year. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy on December 21, 1944, and achieved the rank of Aviation Radioman Third Class. He served as a radioman gunner on torpedo and patrol bombers and was honorably discharged on July 30, 1946. His service awards included the American Area Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

On June 17, 1949, he married the love of his life, Lillian Ruth Starke. They shared 54 devoted years of marriage before her passing in 2003. Together, they built a life centered on family, commitment, and love.

Richard dedicated more than 32 years of his professional career to the railroad industry, working with the Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad, then the Seaboard Airline Railroad, Seaboard Coastline Railroad, and CSX Corporation. He retired from CSX in 1986 as a Tax Agent. His career took him from Richmond, Virginia, to Jacksonville, Florida, where he formed lasting friendships and memories.

He enjoyed bowling and playing golf with friends throughout the Jacksonville area and was a longtime member of Orange Park United Methodist Church in Orange Park, Florida.

To his family, he was more than his accomplishments. He was a steady presence, a provider, and an example of quiet strength, humility, and dedication. His life reflected duty, loyalty, and a deep and lasting love for his family.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Richard Kyle Bishop Jr. (Karen) of Lanexa, Virginia; Jody Bishop Hebbard (Mike) of Lanexa, Virginia; John Scott Bishop (Donna) of Lanexa, Virginia.

He is also survived by his brother, David Luther Bishop (Bina) of Mechanicsville, Virginia.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Jason Brooks (Tressie) of Roswell, Georgia; Elizabeth Brooks (Wael Fakraoui) of Paris, France; Michael Bishop (Thuong) of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Daniel Bishop (Sabrina) of Quinton, Virginia; Eric Bishop (Lindsay) of Austin, Texas

He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Edgar Starke (Donna) of Charlottesville, Virginia; one sister-in-law, Ada Robinson of Goochland, Virginia; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel, 1771 Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6, at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel. Burial will follow at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia.