Brig. Gen. Charles Landon Bishop

Charles was born on June 16, 1938, in Cedar Mountain, NC. He enjoyed a healthy, happy and active childhood in the backwoods of North Carolina's beautiful forests perfecting all the mountain skills of axes, saws, fly fishing, hunting, unique plant identification and use, and his love of music. Charlie was one of 8 children. His only sister and 6 brothers were active in their small country Baptist Church singing gospel songs all over NC. After HS graduation he attended Berea College in Kentucky, then joined the US Air Force as a Russian linguist, serving at the National Security Agency and later in Peshawar, Pakistan. When the Berlin Wall was erected, he was ordered back to the states to attend Officer Candidate School to become an officer.

Specializing in computer programming, he developed methods to organize the vast amounts of intelligence information being collected throughout the European and Asiatic theaters. He was soon assigned to a position flying on the EC-121R reconnaissance aircraft in Southeast Asia during the Viet Nam War. Follow-on assignments included the Pentagon; the Air Force Military Personnel Center and the North American Air Defense Command where he was director of special security and served as special adviser for space systems to the commander in chief of NORAD; He then attended the National War College and upon graduating, received the first Air Force Association Award for excellence in research and writing.

In July 1978, General Bishop returned to U.S. Air Force Security Service headquarters as director of Inspection, Office of the Inspector General. He assumed command of the 6993rd Electronic Security Squadron in September 1979 and served as chief of the Consolidated Security Operations Center, both located at Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, Texas.

From 1980 to 1982 General Bishop was assigned as the inspector general for Electronic Security Command. He then became commander of the 6912th Electronic Security Group, Tempelhof Central Airport, Berlin, with units throughout Berlin and West Germany.

He was assigned to Hickam AFB, Hawaii in June 1983 and served as commander of Headquarters Electronic Security Command Pacific and Electronic Combat Director, Pacific. He transferred to Headquarters Tactical Air Command, Langley AB, VA. In November 1984 as deputy chief of staff for intelligence. In June 1987 the general became deputy chief of staff for intelligence (12), U.S. Forces Korea/United Nations Command, and deputy assistant chief of staff for intelligence (C-2), Combined Forces Command, Seoul, Korea and finally United States Air Forces, Europe, at Ramstein AFB, Germany.

The general has more than 1,200 flying hours in the EC-121, EC-130, RC-135 and E3A. His military awards and decorations include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three service stars. Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short with oak leaf cluster, Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Longevity Service.

Award Ribbon with six oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Korea Order of National Security Merit, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He wears the Officer Aircrew Member and Senior Space Operations badges.

General Bishop earned a Bachelor's degree in Soviet history and languages from Oklahoma State University in 1966 and a Master of Science degree in political science from Auburn University in 1974.Brigadier General Bishop retired from the Air Force in 1992 and, with his wife Earla, settled in San Antonio, Texas where he established and would manage a defense consulting company for the next 23 years.

During their 60 years of marriage and years of traveling all over the world, Charlie and Earla started growing their family. They were blessed with two sons, Troy and Lane Bishop. Two granddaughters, Elle and Lexie. Two grandsons, Austin and Landon. Additionally, they have three great-grandchildren, Wanda, Adrian, Matthew and one more on the way. All bringing great joy to his life! They loved their "Poppi" and they spent great adventures with him in his jeep, fishing and hunting. Charlie was active in various charities, especially those involving military veterans. He was an active member of Parkhills Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Earla; son, Troy and wife, Valerie, son, Lane and wife, Jennifer; grandsons, Austin and wife, Rainey, Landon and wife, Izzy; granddaughters, Elle and husband, Matt and Lexie Bishop; brothers, Bill, Stan, Art, Harry and Dennis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Addie Bishop; brother, Carl Bishop and Margarite Thompson.

MEMORIAL SERVICETHURSDAY, MAY 18, 202310:00 AMPARKHILLS BAPTIST CHURCH17747 SAN PEDRO

Dr. Robert Welch will officiate.