Phillip Carter Isbell

December 18, 1944 - December 14, 2021

Phillip Carter Isbell, 76, of Memphis, TN passed away on December 14, 2021 after a difficult battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Dad built many wonderful things in his life, including a career that lasted 40+ years at First Tennessee Bank, backyards full of carefully constructed playhouses, decks and dog houses, and most importantly, a family filled with kindness and love. An avid DIYer, Dad never met a chair he couldn’t reupholster, a wall he couldn’t paper or a room he couldn’t “improve.” He was known to repaint the family living room frequently, and many family photos can be dated by the changing wall color featured in the background i.e., the green period, the grey phase, or the red gold era. Though Dad had a quiet and reserved demeanor, he rarely missed a chance to demonstrate his dry sense of humor with a well-timed zinger. Fond of fast cars and curvy roads, Dad added excitement (and a few tense moments) to family road trips up and down the backroads of Mt. Nebo, Arkansas, one of his favorite places to visit. Whether raising his family, problem solving at work, or serving as a leader in his church Dad approached all his responsibilities with a commitment to do his best. Though he never spoke about it much, Dad demonstrated his deep sense of faith through living a life of quiet generosity, service, and open-heartedness – traits that he has passed on to his children and grandchildren. Dad had a logical and intelligent mind, which made his battle with Lewy Body Dementia all the more difficult to endure. His family will miss him dearly, but we are thankful that he has at last found the peace and rest he so deserves after a life well-lived. Phil is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy Isbell, his daughter Alicia (Michael) Handwerker, Brian (Melinda) Isbell, and Heather (Harrison) Witt; his grandchildren Samantha, Sydney and Zane Isbell and Carson and Eli Witt; a bevy of loving friends and family, and one lazy hound dog named George. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate in Phil’s honor to his long-time church home Trinity United Methodist or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org.