Jeffrey Arnold Isbell

Jeffrey Arnold Isbell was embraced by our Lord on Feb. 10, 2009, at the young age of 33.
Born April 9, 1975, he was the youngest of three children. Although born in Frankfort, Mich., Jeff lived most of his life in Dothan. He attended and graduated from Dothan High School in 1995.
Soon after graduation Jeff married his childhood sweetheart, Brandi, and together they became a family with daughters, Erin, Sara and Kate. Jeff always honored his mother, Virginia, and stepdad, Grady, with goodness and kindness. He was thankful for his brothers, Chris and Rob and their families. Jeff's family circle held no boundaries as he shared his life with his mother-in-law, Marie, father-in-law, David, and brothers and sisters-in-law. Jeff's love for his family was totally unconditional and he made sure that every family member was taken care of even if it meant he had to sacrifice something important to himself. For those who did not get to see this side of Jeff, they missed out on knowing a great man. Jeff truly filled all of our lives with the sweet feelings of happiness and joy.
For several years Jeff served his community as a firefighter in Ozark, and for the past two years he served with the Enterprise Firefighters. During his time as a firefighter, those with whom he worked, and especially those lucky enough to be in his company, knew he would stand by them in challenging times and always be a trusted friend.
Speaking of friends, there are so many: lifelong buddies, musicians, newfound acquaintances. Jeff touched them all with kindness and was always ready to help. Jeff never wanted to be acknowledged for anything he did. When he helped…he simply helped. One of his dearest friends wrote, "The world lost a great soul last night. He was and always will be a mountain of inspiration for me in the ways of music, art, humor, good will and, above all, character."
For all of us that knew him, he was gifted, unique and endearing. We were all privileged and blessed to be loved by him and to be able to give him our love. The Lord called him home much sooner than expected, but for the short time he was ours, we will always be grateful. We will love him and miss him always but most importantly, he will be in our hearts forever.
"I will lend you, for a little time, A child of mine, He said. For you to love the while he lives, And mourn for when he's dead. It may be six or seven years, Or thirty-two or three. But will you, till I call him back, Take care of him for Me? He'll bring his charms to gladden you, And should his stay be brief. You'll have his lovely memories, As solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over, In search for teachers true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labor vain. Nor hate me when I come To take him home again? I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!' For all the joys Thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may, And for the happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him, Much sooner than we've planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand." - Edgar Albert Guest
Our beloved Jeff was preceded in death by Surrader Arnold and Helen Isbell, grandfather and stepgrandmother; Dorothy Virginia Owen, grandmother.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Brandi Faison Isbell; his daughters, Erin Maria, Sara Ashleigh and Kate Emelia; his mother, Virginia Isbell Creel and stepfather, Grady E. Creel; brothers, Christopher Gokey and Robert Gokey; his mother-in-law, Marie Capps and father-in-law, David Capps; nieces and nephews, Katie Ann Gokey, Devin Gokey, Joshua Gokey and Miranda Gokey; uncles and aunts, Curtis and Peggy Isbell of Orange Beach, Fla., Tom and Diane Isbell of Montgomery and Charles Owen of Florida; numerous extended family members, brothers and sister-in-laws, cousins and cousins-in-law.
A memorial service will be held in Jeff's honor at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009, at the Ward Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Eric Bates officiating. Following the memorial service, the family will be gathered at the home of Jeff's parents, 300 Drake Drive, Dothan.
Ward Wilson Memory Hill Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory, (334) 792-4194, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.