Dr. Homer Laughlin Isbell, Jr.

Dr. Homer Laughlin Isbell, age 96, died in his sleep next to his beloved wife of 70 years, Betty, on Friday, August 3, 2018. He was born in Banner Elk, NC, grew up in Johnson City, TN, was an Eagle Scout, earned his B.S. from University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and his M.D. from University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He married Betty Jean Wilkinson on September 21, 1947 in Memphis. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1943 and served as a Captain and Flight Surgeon until 1949. After service to our country, he and Betty moved to Maryville in 1950. After being in general medical practice, he then took additional training in anesthesia at Duke University. During his medical career, Dr. Isbell delivered approximately 1,500 babies and administered anesthesia to over 39,000 people. He was a medical missionary to Algiers, Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Navajo Reservation. He served twice as president of the Blount County Medical Society and Chief of the Hospital Medical Staff. He also served on the board of directors of First Federal Savings, Overlook Mental Health Center, Maryville College, and Maryville Housing Authority. Dr. Isbell served as a faithful member, deacon, and elder of New Providence Presbyterian Church. He loved God, his family, church, and community and also enjoyed literature and philosophical discussions. He was a listener, lifelong learner, and a caring encourager to others. He will be missed by his wife Betty, children Jack, Kay (Terry), Jean (Hal), & Julia (Gordon), 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and his brother Matt (Barbara). A celebration of life will be held at New Providence Presbyterian Church, Monday, August 27, at 3:00, followed by a reception. Memorials may be made to New Providence Presbyterian Church or Blount Memorial Hospice.