James D. "Don" Isley

James Don Isley, 90, of Kingsport, TN, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at Baysmont at Asbury following a fall at the home. Born in Kingsport on May 7, 1928, a son of the late Jim and Grace Isley, he had resided in this area his entire life. He graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1946 where he lettered in football, enjoying winning the state championship in 1945. He graduated from Virginia Tech University in 1950 with a BS in Engineering and was a member of the Cotillion Club at VPI. He was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church.

Don was a veteran of the Korean War having served as a 1st Lieutenant, 3rd Infantry Division and was awarded the Bronze Star. He retired from Eastman in 1985 following 35 years of service.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, dad, grandfather and friend who loved to play golf and enjoy his retirement in Florida. He continued playing golf up into his late 80's. Don spent many years serving the community in the Kiwanis Club and Jaycees.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bob Strang, his golfing friend of over 55 years, and to caring neighbors, George and Marie O'Neil, H.L. Johnson and the staff from Baysmont at Asbury.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Betty Jean Flanary Isley; son, Tom Isley of Kingsport; daughter, Donna Isley Mason of Greensboro, NC; former son-in-law, George Mason of Lexington, KY; daughter-in-law, Hope Isley of Kingsport; and grandson, Griffin Mason of Lexington, KY.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 26, 2018, in the chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport with The Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating. Special music will be provided by Donna Westbrook.

Private family inurnment services will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may make memorial contributions to Music Fund at First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.

Cemetery Details