Robert James Bickford

Robert James Bickford (Bob “RJ”) passed away Monday, November 6, 2023, at Piedmont Medical Center at the age of 74. Bob was born on Memorial Day, May 30, 1949, in Bangor, Maine, to the late Horace Clark William Bickford and the late Catherine Bernice Stockwell Bickford. After graduating Dover High School in New Hampshire in 1968, Bob proudly served for five years in the United States Navy aboard both the USS Andrew Jackson and USS Barracuda until his honorable discharge as a Petty Officer Second Class, Sonar Technician, Submarine Qualified. Commendations earned include the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Award, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. While in the Navy, Bob married his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Ellen Taylor Bickford, in 1972, with whom he raised three children. In 1973, Bob moved to Rock Hill, and later worked for Rock Hill Telephone Company (Comporium Communications), where he retired in 2010 after 36 years of service from the local test desk. Throughout his life, Bob was a very patriotic person and loved his country. He enjoyed reminiscing of his time in the Navy and sharing stories with his children and grandchildren. Bob was a member of the Holland Club of the Carolina Piedmont Base of the United States Submarine Veterans. In addition, Bob was a passionate ham radio operator and a member of the York County Amateur Radio Society. Known by his radio call signs KK4YWK and KX4WAR, Bob developed friendships with many other operators across the radio waves. Bob also belonged to the Honda Motorcycle Club and completed the Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore 1000, which is a 1000-mile ride completed in 24 hours. Most of all, Bob loved his family. He enjoyed spending time with family for holidays and celebrations, or just the casual Sunday afternoon lunch. He was always happy to see his children and grandchildren, and loved them very much. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his brothers William C. Bickford, and Ronald E. Bickford (Mary Ellen). Also surviving are his son William James Bickford (Amy) and their daughter Elena; his daughter Amanda Michelle Bickford Willis (Robert) and their sons Bobby, Matthew, Benjamin, and Joseph; and his son Robert Taylor Bickford and children Robert and Elizabeth. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church at 1694 Bird St, Rock Hill, SC, on Thursday, November 30, at 2:00 pm. Family will receive friends at the home of Amanda and Bobby Willis immediately following the Mass. Interment of ashes will occur at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on May 30, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the VA Medical Center in Columbia, SC. Wounded Warrior Project: P.O Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516 Dorn V. A. Medical Center: 6439 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209