Remembering Ron Bishop: He made a difference

When I heard the sad news that Ron Bishop died on Monday afternoon, I started thinking about people I’ve known who don’t seem to have any enemies.  You know, the ones you never hear anyone complain about, or say bad things behind their back.  For most of us, I’d say that’s a short list.  Ron Bishop has always been on my list.

I can’t picture this man without a smile.  I met him during my days at Channel 12 in the 1980s.  He would announce basketball games with his good friend Randy Smith, adding broadcasting to his many skills. We didn’t see each other a lot in recent years, but I’m sure if he saw me on the side of the road with a broken down car, he’d find a way to get it towed.  Then he’d give me a ride home, and loan me a car until mine was up and running.  And if I was cold, he’d let me wear his coat.  That’s how Ron lived his life, helping and encouraging total strangers thousands of miles away, and taking care of those he knew and loved.

Ron was an active 68-year-old when illness struck him just a few days ago.  Earlier this year, he had stepped down as Chairman of SCORE International, the wonderful organization he co-founded with his wife Pat in 1984.  It was time to slow down a bit.  He had logged a few worlds’ worth of air miles, flying to other countries dozens of times spreading the gospel and sharing his love of sports.  Always smiling.  But it was time, he said, to step aside from the daily activities at SCORE. Now he could spend more time with Pat, and finally attend his own grandchildren’s ball games.

Miami Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan with Ron Bishop, 2011

SCORE (Sharing Christ Our Redeemer Enterprises) grew from a Mom-and-Pop (Pat and Ron) operation into a ministry known worldwide.  Ever heard of Andy Pettitte, Cory Gearrin, Mariano Rivera, Brett Butler, or John Calipari?  Just to name-drop a few, these are some of the sports stars who put their faith and talent to good use.  After a  great 10-year run as Tennessee Temple’s basketball coach, Ron had a dream of spreading the Gospel beyond the Chattanooga city limits.  He and Pat had heard of young people in Mexico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  From humble beginnings, his mission trips became more frequent.  Using his considerable charisma and enthusiasm, he enlisted fellow coaches and athletes, some like the big names listed above, to accompany him to the run down ball fields and basketball courts.  He wanted to show these young people that someone cared about them.  He knew sports was a universal language that would tear down barriers.

He raised money for supplies, shoes, facilities….whatever it took to get the job done.  His energy was unflagging, his optimism never-ending.  It wasn’t always easy.  Through the flight delays, uncooperative governments, financial challenges, you name it, Ron Bishop just kept plugging away.  SCORE never faltered, and has since prospered into one of the nation’s most respected ministries.  Countless young people from our region, some of whom had never ventured beyond their hometown, found themselves on foreign soil, mentoring and ministering their counterparts who had so little…until Ron Bishop arrived.

Since those early days, SCORE, still based in Chattanooga, has expanded to dental and medical outreaches, construction trips, senior class trips, and even choir groups.  Its scope has expanded to eight different countries, something Ron and Pat never dreamed of in those early days.  The mission trips are often the highlight of someone’s life; both those on the giving, and receiving ends.  To say that Ron Bishop achieved, and surpassed his goal is a huge understatement.  SCORE became his life’s work, and did he ever succeed!

As Ron’s condition worsened in recent days, his friends, both up close and online, asked for prayers.  After he was hospitalized for a blood clot, he began suffering from sepsis and pneumonia. Soon, word spread that he might not make it out of the hospital.

Although he was ready to cut back on the travel, and spend a more leisurely life on the bleachers, he still had plans.  There were sermons to preach, and young lives to reach.  Sixty-eight years is but a brief time here on earth.  Ron’s time here was cut short, but he sure got a lot done, didn’t he?  That’s why he made my short list.  He went to work each day, made a positive impact on thousands of people, and shared that contagious smile with everyone he met.  Ron Bishop was a winner, in so many ways.

Obituary from Heritage Funeral Home: Ronald “Ron” Bishop, 68, passed away Monday, June 16, 2014, at a local hospital. Ron was a member of the Ringgold community for 39 years and member of Peavine Baptist Church. Mr. Bishop was motivated in life to serve his church, community, and family. He received his Masters of Divinity from Tennessee Temple. He then went on to coach the Tennessee Temple basketball team for 15 years. Ron, and wife Pat, started SCORE (Sharing Christ Our Redeemer Enterprises) in 1984. Ron served as the chairman for SCORE and through the years the organization’s ministry has had worldwide impacts. Ron enjoyed staying busy planning, organizing, and preparing mission trips to Mexico, Haiti, Costa Rica, Argentina, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

The family will receive friends 11 AM – 2 PM, Wednesday, at Parkway Baptist Temple. Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory, Battlefield Parkway.

(Thanks to Mark Wiedmer of the Chattanooga Times Free Press: http://timesfreepress.com/news/2014/apr/03/wiedmer-scores-bishop-one-of-the-best/?print)