I met Dan Isley for the very first time in the fall of 1987. It was football season. And it was my first year as a part-time prep sports writer for The Cullman Times. Our paths crossed enough that season for me to realize that I had met another whose veins flowed with a crimson hue. Ha! We got along well that season, and our relationship continued to grow for another five years as Dan served The Cullman Times as sports editor from 1988-1993, and I continued as a part-time sports writer during those seasons.

Over the years, we spent countless hours together in the newsroom on Friday nights, with many of those nights turning into the early morning hours of Saturday as we finished our stories about the games that we had covered that previous evening.  With most of our conversations centered around the results of the local high school football games, and if Alabama would win that weekend, he still found the time to ask me about my family and I could tell that he actually cared.

We also made several memorable trips to Alabama football games during that time. The first college game that I got to attend with press credentials was at Legion Field in 1987. Needless to say, I was pretty excited.  Dan was the ultimate professional. Upon my requests, he simply smiled and without comment or teasing took my picture in the press box and also on the sideline of Legion Field. I still have those pictures to this day.  

The following season, Dan's first as sports editor, we made the trip to Knoxville to cover the Crimson Tide. They beat the Vols to make the return drive so much more enjoyable. I remember us listening to the Tennessee Sports Radio call-in show as we made our way back home. The Vol fans were so mad! Dan and I laughed all the way to the Alabama state line.

More great memories evolved as one season followed another, and as I look back today I am so glad that our paths crossed so many years ago. I know that I am a better man for knowing Dan Isley. May he rest in peace.

We worked together for about 8 years -not always agreeing-but always trying to make the CCEMA program better.  He always encouraged me to think out of the box & try new things. As my Field coordinator I think we became better friends. I will always treasure all of the good times & bad ones too. I’m a better EM & a better person for having known Dan.   

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Daniel "Dan" Alan Isley

July 9, 1948 – March 22, 2019

Moss Service Funeral Home

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