Francis "Buddy" Ernest Israel Jr.

Francis Ernest Israel Jr.—known affectionately to many as Coach, Buddy, or Ernie—passed away peacefully at home on October 4, 2025, surrounded by those he loved most. Born on May 27, 1940, he lived a life defined by faith, family, and a deep devotion to his community.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Lee and Francis Ernest Israel, Sr., grandmother Emma Mae Brown (Momma Mae) and brother, Paul Melvin Israel. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Sandra Fay Caldwell Israel; his children, Connie and Larry (Kara) Israel; his sister, Carol Taylor, sister in law, Lauren Caldwell Gadd, a niece, nephews and countless students, athletes, and friends who were blessed by his guidance, humor, and unwavering kindness. He is also preceded in death by special friends Wesley Ingram, Bob Martin and Malcomb Scarbro.

Buddy’s love for the Powell community was unmatched. Over the course of nearly 40 years in education, he taught physical education at Brickey Elementary and Powell Middle School, where he coached boys’ basketball for more than three decades. He also coached boys’ soccer and girls’ volleyball at Powell High School. Every summer, he could be found on the courts at Knoxville Christian Basketball Camp, investing in young athletes and sharing his love of the game with students from all over Knox County.

To his students, he was far more than a teacher—he was a mentor, encourager, and lifelong role model who shaped countless young lives.

Buddy loved his country and served as a Lieutenant in the US Army training men to be officers at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He graduated from Young High School and the University of Tennessee with a masters degree in education and history. He felt he gave back to his alma mater for 40 years as an usher and ticket taker which gave him great joy greeting people. His other great love was the Yankees and Mickey Mantle was his favorite. Buddy played softball into his seventies and always switch hit in honor of his hero. He was an avid ball card collector and had a large collection including many Mickeys, unfortunately, he never got the most sought after Mickey card.

Above all, Buddy was a devoted servant of Christ. He never missed an opportunity to share God’s word and lived each day as a reflection of his faith. He served faithfully as a deacon and in numerous church ministries and local missions throughout his life. He was a member of Callahan Road Baptist Church at the time of his passing.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m., all at Black Oak Heights Baptist Church.

To honor Coach and his lifelong Powell Pride, the family encourages everyone to wear orange and black to the service—a heartfelt tribute to his years of dedication to the Powell community and the students he loved so dearly.