Bishop, Charles Wayne (Sonny-Slim)

Charles Wayne (Sonny-Slim) Bishop, 74, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, April 12, 2012. Recently of Pearisburg, and a native of Christiansburg, he was preceded in death by his mother and father, Noah S. and Margaret S. Bishop; a daughter, Brenda S. Bland; and 17 brothers and sisters. Charles was a member at North Fork Baptist Church in Blacksburg. He worked for Moog Industries prior to retirement. He was also employed by Harman Farms and Childress Farms in Christiansburg, where fond memories and his love for farm work were made. He will be remembered as a loyal Washington Redskins fan. He never met a stranger, and cared and prayed for many, even if they didn’t know it. And, if you were ever given a nickname by him, you knew that you were special. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alma C. Bishop; daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy (Steve) Akers, of Blacksburg, Patsy (Joe) Craft, of Christiansburg, Karen (Ralph) Harless, of Pearisburg, and Allen Bland, of Christiansburg; grandchildren Stephanie and Mitchell Akers, Brittany and Aaron Craft, Kayla and Brandon Harless, Tina (Alan) Rosenbaum, and Patricia Bland; great-grandchildren, Breanna East, Ethan Slusser, and Isiah and Maddox McMillan; a brother, Richard (Debbie) Bishop, of Blacksburg; a sister, Frances Irene Long of Christiansburg; and an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends that were fond to his heart. The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 15, 2012, at North Fork Baptist Church, 905 Lusters Gate Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060, followed by the funeral service at 3:30 p.m., officiated by the Rev. Fred Brugger. Burial will follow in the North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, 540-726-2442. Online condolences to the family, and directions to North Fork Baptist Church can be found by visiting www.riffefuneralservice.com.