David Lee Isom passed this life Friday, May 17 after a month long stay at St. Francis Hospital. He was born to Mike Isom, Sr. of Baalbeck, Lebanon and Artera Pate in Sunflower, MS, February 8, 1935. He got his strong work ethic and eagerness to sell from his dad who got him jobs in local stores and matched his funds sending young David to deposit in the bank. Growing up during World War II, he wanted to be a soldier. He volunteered at seventeen for Korea where he was one of three out of a company to survive an onslaught. He served three tours of duty in Vietnam: 1965/66, 68/69, 1970 through 72. Retiring in 1976 after 25 years, he sold manual accounting systems initially out of a broom closet. He eventually sold new and used office furniture from 1401 Getwell Road, Memphis, TN. He owned rental property near his furniture store.
He is survived by his wife Kay Pedigo Isom, his son Kevin (Derek), grandchildren; Alexis and Dylan, and his daughter Celia (Greg) Skelton, grandchildren; Reagan and Ruthie.
His sister, Nancy McDaniel is his lone surviving sibling. He is survived by nieces, nephews and great nieces, nephews. His other siblings were Fred Isom, Mike Isom, Jr., Wadfur Lee, Marie Adams, and Oscar Isom.
He and Tommie Curtis Isom were members of Parkway Village Baptist Church where he assisted with the visitation ministry. He attended Bellevue Baptist Church when it moved to Appling Road. The last years of his life he was affiliated with the Church of Christ.
He continued to work or direct the office furniture and rental business through his hospitalizations and rehabilitations. He approached each day with wonder and gratitude. He was generous with flags and $2 bills and if not that encouragement and compliments.
As he developed various medical conditions, he located near St. Francis Hospital and approached his treatment with his typical can do attitude. He was indebted to the nurses and support staff who treated him under the direction of Dr. Mahir Awdeh, his Cardiologist of 30+ years , Dr. Tameez Din nephrologist , and Dr. Robert Kulinski, endocrinologist.
A gathering of friends and family will be Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 5pm until 7pm and Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 12:00pm until 2:00pm. A Celebration of Life Service will be Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm. with all taking place at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119.There will be an additional visitation held Friday, May 24, 2019 from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Sunflower Baptist Church in Sunflower, MS. Interment will be held at Moorehead Community Cemetery in Moorehead, MS. Friday at 3:00 pm, with military honors. Please leave online condolences at www.memphisfuneralhome.net.
