Dr. Eugene M. Bishop, 76, of Dahlonega, died March 23, 2011.
Dr. Eugene M. Bishop was born in Atlanta and educated in the Atlanta public school systems. He entered the United States Army in 1953, served two years active duty and received and Honorable Discharge.
Dr. Bishop was the retired owner and president of Health Service Centers Inc., a multi-facility corporation that owned long-term healthcare facilities, acute care hospitals and pharmacies. The company began in 1970 and enjoyed continuous growth until his retirement.
Dr. Bishop continued to be active in both the state and national health care trade associations. He served as president of the Georgia Health Care Association. He also has worked extensively with the American Health Care Association, which is located in Washington, D.C. and represents all 50 states. As Regional Vice President of the American Health Care Association for three years, he represented Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama and Georgia. Dr. Bishop served as First Vice President of the American Health Care Association and was elected national president of the association for two consecutive terms.
In 2004, Dr. Bishop was elected and still served on Georgia Southern University's Board of Trustees, and for 17 years, he was a member of Georgia Southern University's Business Advisory Council for the School of Business.
His athletic involvement at Georgia Southern University included serving as a current board member and executive committee member of the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation.
His parents, George and Gussie Bishop, and a brother, Guy Bishop, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his children, Gray and Nikki Bishop of Carrollton, Traci and Jay Stillman of Roswell; grandchildren, Griffyn and Gavin Bishop; niece, Kathleen Guy; nephew, Gary Bishop; great-niece, Abigail Guy; great-nephews, Garrett Guy and Levi Bishop; special friend and extended family, Nancy Addison, Drew and Shanna Addison, Trip Addison, Lindsay Addison; various other relatives also survive.
Pallbearers were: Benjie Deloach, Michael Adams, Joe Bearden, Trummie Patrick, Don Howard, Martin NeSmith, Bucky Wagner, Bill Golden, Juan Luna and Julian Deal.
Honorary pallbearers were: Georgia Department of Natural Resources board and West Fulton High School Class of 1953.
Military honors were rendered by the Cumming Veterans Alliance.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. March 25 at the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to The Georgia Southern Foundation Scholarship in honor of Gene Bishop, The Georgia Southern Foundation, P.O. Box 8053, Statesboro, GA 30460 or to the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville, P.O. Box 1358, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
There will be a celebration/service the day of the first football game, Sept. 10, in Statesboro for Georgia Southern University.
Dahlonega Funeral Home of Dahlonega was in charge of the arrangements.