Robert David Bishop

Born September 21, 1933 the third of five children by Fred I. Bishop and Mary L. Bishop. He was born in Emanuel County (Twin City) Georgia.

At the age of 2, the family moved to Vero Beach, Florida where Fred worked at a dairy farm until 1939. In late 1939, Robert’s parents opened their own small independent grocery and meat market. They remained in business until they retired in 1974 in Vero Beach, Florida.

During his childhood, Robert was active in Boy Scouts and church youth activities. In high school, he served on the student Council for 2 years, and was a member of the Hi-Y Club. He was elected to Vice President of the junior class, a member of the Glee Club, and a member of the high school track team.Robert worked in the family grocery until he graduated high school in 1951.

After graduated high school, Robert attended the University of Florida for about a year and a half. He left school to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Korean War. Part of his duties were stateside at Eglin AFB, and in far eastern Japan. After completing his military obligations, Robert went back to the University of Florida where he graduated in 1960. While at the university, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity, the Alpha Delta Sigma professional fraternity, and the University of Florida Swim Team and club for 2 years.

After graduating college, Robert went to work for the American Broadcasting/Paramount Theatres Inc. and was assigned to WeekiWachi Springs as Assistant Publicity Director. He later transferred to Daytona Beach where the company owned property and 2 movie theatres. He served as manager there until 1964. He married Barbara L. Cameron in 1964. They had two sons, Shane D. Bishop and Todd C. Bishop, and two granddaughters, Lexi Bishop and Madi Bishop.

In 1964 he resigned from ABPT to pursue a career in Law Enforcement, and was hired by the State of Florida Beverage Department and was assigned to the Lakeland district office as a special agent field officer. In 1969 he was asked to take a promotion and move to Orlando, due to the impact of Disney World. Robert served in Orlando as a supervisor in charge of License and Enforcement activities, and also served on the advisory board of Walt Disney World. In 1981 he was again promoted, and moved back to Lakeland as District Commander of the Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties. He remained in this position until he retired in 1996, with the rank of Captain.

For many years, he was also a member of Fraternal Order of Police #46, the Florida Peace Officers Association, Polk County Chief of Police Association, Lakeland South Rotary Club (Hall of Fame in 2006), NRA, North American Hunt Club, and Southside Baptist Church.

He was an avid hunter and outdoors man. Robert remarried in 2009 to LaDotha “Dottie” Davis.

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