Dr. Phillip Dale Isbell, 66, of Denton, Texas, passed away on July 8, 2013. Phillip was a devoted husband, supportive father, loving grandpa and a caring physician whose greatest pleasures were his family, his patients, world travel, boating, gardening and cooking.
Whether surrounded by family and friends or in the company of one of his many beloved patients, he lit up the room with his infectious personality, giving heart and rapid fire wit. Phillip leaves a rich legacy of love, laughter and a reputation as an ardent defender of civil liberties.
He was born May 30, 1947 in Fort Worth to Dr. Marney and Katherine Isbell. Phillip attended Fort Worth's Riverside Baptist Church and graduated from Carter Riverside High School in 1965. Phillip earned a BA in Biology from North Texas State University in 1974 and graduated from the John Peter Smith Hospital School of Nursing in 1971.
With the encouragement and support of family, friends and numerous colleagues in the medical profession, Phillip enrolled at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and was a member of the graduating class of 1981. He went on to complete an Internship at Dallas Memorial Hospital in 1982.
Phillip served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1991.
He faithfully served the Denton community as a family practice physician for more than 30 years. Phillip was an Adjunct Clinical Instructor of Family Medicine at the UNT Health Science Center and a member of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association and the Texas chapter of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.
Phillip is survived by his wife Kim; his son and daughter-in-law Drs. James and Rebecca Isbell and granddaughters Lauren, Emily, and Madeline of Charlottesville, VA; his son and daughter-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Scott and Emily Isbell and grandsons Brandon and Elijah, of Ellicott City, MD; his son Mr. Brett Isbell of New York City; his son and daughter-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas and Haley Isbell of Denton, Texas; his sister and brother-in-law Mrs. Karen and Dr. Bert Rogers of Enid, OK; his nephew Mr. Phillip Rogers and wife Kate of Dallas; his niece Mrs. Kimberly Ring and husband Darrell of Enid, OK, his niece Katherine Rogers of Edmond, OK; his aunt and uncle Mrs. Georgia and Gene Rainwater of Fort Worth; his daughter-in-law Uliana Isbell-Biryukova of Washington, DC; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Mr. Rob and Lilian Donaldson.
He is also survived by hundreds of patients; many wonderful medical students whom he mentored and inspired; his loyal staff and countless friends and colleagues, who were all dear to his heart.
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Brian Isbell.
A memorial service celebrating the life of Dr. Phillip Isbell will be held on Saturday, July 13th at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Denton located at 1100 Malone St. Denton, Texas 76201.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Dr. Phillip D. Isbell to the University of North Texas Foundation, Inc. to benefit students aspiring to become physicians. Donations can be made at http://bit.ly/DrIsbell . Once on the website, please select "Yes" to dedicate this gift and fill out the "in Memory of" field with Dr. Phillip Isbell. If those who wish to make a donation have further questions about online giving, they may contact Gift Processing at (940) 369-8200. You may also mail a donation to Office of Development, 1155 Union Circle #311250, Denton, TX 76203.
Arrangements are being handled by DeBerry Funeral Directors (940-383-4200), 2025 W. University Dr., Denton, TX 76201.
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