Kenneth H. Bishop

October 9, 1931 - May 8, 2022

Kenneth Hunsberger Bishop, 90, of Cary, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 8, 2022, at WakeMed Cary Hospital.

He was born Oct. 9, 1931, in Dublin, Pa. After graduating from Hatfield High School, where he played basketball, Ken was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon his honorable discharged, he received a scholarship to play basketball at Wilmington Junior College (today known as UNCW) in Wilmington. The coach got him a part-time job at Belk-Beery Department Store, working in the boys' department. After graduating with an associate's degree in Merchandising, Ken started working full-time as a buyer for Belk. Later, he was promoted to manager of a Belk store in Sanford, promoted again to a larger store in Hickory, and then came full circle back to the Belk store in Wilmington, as vice president and general manager. He retired in 1992 with 36 years of service.

Ken married his sweetheart, Dorothy Lamb in the chapel at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. They had a wonderful life together for over 66 years and held hands everywhere they went. They had two children.

He was a devoted husband, a loving dad, granddaddy, an inspiring leader, and a loyal friend who worked hard and led by example, having a strong faith in God. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, fishing, watching sports, and reminiscing about the good times he'd had, the beautiful places he visited, and the special people in his life. He had a servant's heart and gave of his time and treasures to various organizations including the Boy Scouts, Rotary International, Salvation Army, Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Merchants Association, and the First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dot; son, Doug Bishop (Bonnie) of Hickory; daughter, Donna Peffley (Chris) of Cary; granddaughters, Anna Coleman (Zac) of Charlotte and Abby Bishop (Tommy Penick) of Pisgah Forest; and great-grandson, Harrison Coleman of Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ken's name to Rotary International, www.my.rotary.org/en/donate or to a charity of choice at www.legacy.com/charity/memorial-charity-donations/.

A private family memorial service will be held in Hickory, at the First Presbyterian Church.

Wake Funeral & Cremation

www.wakefuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Hickory Daily Record on May 15, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Bishop

Sponsored by Wake Funeral & Cremations Services, Inc..

9 Entries

Jackie Oakes

May 19, 2022

Dot, I am so sadden to learn of Ken's passing. I have thought of you often and know that God's hands are with you and your family. My love to you, Jackie

David A Shuford

May 18, 2022

I had the pleasure of working for Mr.Bishop from 1980 until his promotion and his move back to Wilmington. I remembered when he hired me I was in invited to his house for a lovely dinner with his family. He was always kind and the perfect gentlemen. Of all the bosses I have had over the years, he would get five stars. He was a five star kind of guy with his business, his charitable work, and with his family. My condolences to his family.

Judy Church Abee

May 17, 2022

My condolences to the Bishop family. I thought so much of your dad when I was hired by him to buy for the Belk Store in Hickory. He was kind and a great Boss. I know you will miss your kind father...husband....grandfather.

Cynthia Phillips-Goelling

May 16, 2022

Doug,

I knew right away when I saw the name and photo this had to be your father. You look so much like him!

Condolences to you and your family, and I will keep you and you family in my prayers.

Cynthia

James Deal

May 15, 2022

I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Bishop´s passing. I worked for him starting in 1978 (helping to stock the new Valley Hills store) and worked for Belk for 22 years. He was a good man. My condolences to his family.

Doug Clevinger

May 14, 2022

Ken Bishop was a special person that I am thankful to have had the opportunity and honor of knowing. I worked together with him for 26 years in the Boy Scout program in Wilmington where he served as a Board Member and Council Treasurer. He was a man of high character and integrity who always had a kind word of encouragement to give to you each time you met. I am thankful for the life he lived helping others and having the heart of a humble servant. His was a life well-lived !

Susan morgan

May 13, 2022

Sorry for your family lost. Great store manager and I work for.

Marta Albano, RN

May 11, 2022

Truly enjoyed taking care of Mr Bishop. He had a wonderful spirit and was a most giving husband and father. God Bless

Angela Whaley

May 11, 2022

I am so sad to see the loss of a very good man. He was such a good role model and did a great job as Store Manager of Belk Department store. He was kind too. He will be missed! Love and prayers go out to the family.

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results