Mr. Christopher R. Bishop

Christopher Roderick Bishop, lovingly known as “Chris”, was a family-loving man who brightened up any space he entered with a beautiful smile and hearty hug. Born November 23, 1980, he was the eldest son of Deacon Darryl and Elder Angela Bishop Hammonds, and the treasured oldest brother of Joe and Danny Bishop.

An avid reader, with a passion for learning, Chris received his primary education in the public schools of Richland County School District One, where he enjoyed being a student-athlete at Columbia High School. He furthered his education at South Carolina State University, where he majored in Business Education.

Baptized in the faith of salvation through Jesus Christ at the age of nine under the leadership of his grandfather, Bishop Robert L. Bishop at Grace Christian Church, Chris found delight in service.  He grew from a local Youth Ministry Leader at Grace to working with the national Child Evangelism Fellowship. Due to his demonstrated compassion and leadership through his involvement with the Child Evangelism Fellowship organization, Chris was selected to participate in the 50th birthday celebration of Mickey Mouse (Orlando, FL); an experience that made his naturally wide, bright smile, expand even wider! Other notable examples of his passion for service include: assisting first time home buyers through the American Dream Project; proudly serving the State of South Carolina as a Senate Page for the Honorable Kay Patterson; and sharing his love for the City of Columbia through various City Year program activities.

Given the solid foundation of faith and service that he was provided, it was no wonder that he maintained his commitment to Christian fellowship in adulthood.  He was a faithful member of Emmanuel Christian Church (Richmond Hills, GA) under the guidance of Pastor Daniel Boyd. He was actively involved in manifesting the Kingdom of God on earth through his participation in the church’s Men of Renowned Excellence (M.O.R.E.) ministry. 

Although he never met a stranger, family was the most important aspect of Christopher’s life.  He was united in holy matrimony on November 8, 2014 to the former Ms. Lydia King of Columbia, SC. Though brief in years, theirs was a love filled with passion, travel, entrepreneurship, and memorable family gatherings – where Chris took loving pride in being the “keeper” of his grandfather’s signature barbeque sauce.  Together they owned and operated Gabriel’s Southern Diner (Savannah, GA), where Christopher’s skills as a Grill Master were deliciously displayed.  Lydia and Chris enjoyed traveling, and often recalled the joy experienced on vacations such as the Tom Joyner HBCU Scholarship Cruise, Hawaii and Jamaica. As he assumed his God-ordained role as covering for his wife, Christopher wholeheartedly took up the mantle of responsibility in parenting Hezekiah and Serenity King - gifts from God he covered and protected fiercely until his weary body could do no more.

On the evening of October 1, 2019, the light that had illuminated the lives of everyone he encountered for 38 year, flickered out peacefully as he entered the presence of God. In taking leave of this world, Chris has taken his place in the unbroken circle, reunited with his revered grandfather, Bishop Robert L. Bishop, who preceded him in conquering the grave.

Left to cherish Chistopher’s memory is his loving wife, Lydia King-Bishop; step-son, Hezekiah King; step-daughter, Serenity King; parents, Darryl and Angela Bishop-Hammonds; brothers, Joseph Daniel Bishop and Danny Robert Elo Bishop; grandmother, Azalee C. Bishop; mother-in-law, Dawn King; godfather, Rick Wade; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, friends who will forever hold his memory dear in their hearts.

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