Robert Isabel

It is the will and wish of Almighty God with his magnificent power. He has transformed from labor here on earth, to glorious, sweet, sweet rest and mutual sharing with the saints in heaven Our Dear Brother Robert Ellis Isabel. Robert was born March 10, 1937 to the late James Henry and Dorothy Marie Isabel in Memphis, Tennessee. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age at Grady Chapel C.M.E. Church where he remained a member until he passed away peacefully following an illness at Christian Care Center of Memphis on November 16, 2019.

Family was paramount to Robert. He was a loving Dad, Granddad, Brother and Uncle. Growing up with 10 siblings (4 brothers and 6 sisters) often led to some remarkable stories and reflections, as well as, individualized household responsibilities. Robert, as a teenager, would sit next to his father and observe while he repaired the neighbor’s appliances and other small electronics. This led to Robert developing a special niche’ for repairing almost any type of mechanical device, appliance or electronic system. Robert loved being our “family fixer”. Following in his fathers’ footsteps, there was nothing Robert could not fix and his family often turned to him for his help. Plainly put by his brothers Charles (deceased) and Roy, “Robert could fix anything”! This God given talent was on display continuously to all that knew and loved him. He would be the first phone call when something was awry and he would always come through to help. His love for his family and church continued to shine through in his loyal and dutiful service in maintaining the family home on Emmie, maintaining and manicuring the lawn of the family church Grady Chapel C.M.E. Church.

A strong faith and walk with Christ was important to Robert and the Isabel family, his father James Henry Isabel, Sr. was the Sunday School Superintendent and often assigned Robert and his brothers clean up tasks at the church on Saturday, and during the winter months they had to rise early to go and turn on the heat. Robert continued the family tradition in his later years by faithfully performing numerous unnoticed and underappreciated tasks at Grady Chapel C.M.E. Church for over 20 years (only stopping in these last several months) that improved the physical appearance of the church and the neighborhood. He served as both a Trustee and Steward of Grady Chapel C.M.E. Church. Robert was preceded in death by seven of his siblings: James Henry, Laura Jean, Henry Etta, Herbert, Charles Henry, James Montine and Juliette.

Robert never forgot his roots or his family. He always remembered the journey he traveled that started in the Annesdale community. Robert attended and graduated from Hamilton High School. While at Hamilton, he was a member of the Golden Gloves Boxing team and competed in tournaments throughout Memphis in the 1950’s. Robert would go on to win several fights, but lost in the finals to a boxer that would later become a professional boxer.

Robert had a stellar military career in the United States Air Force. On September 17, 1956, Robert entered the United States Air Force where he completed his basic training at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA. After completing his Qualification Training he was then assigned to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado. There he received advanced training as a Weapons Control Systems Mechanic. Following his graduation he was then assigned to the 8th Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron Air Force Base in Itazuke, Japan where he was stationed for four years. In 1960, Robert was assigned to the 52nd Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron at the Suffolk County Air Force Base located in Westhampton Beach, Long Island, New York, where he trained as a Rocket Fire Technician. While training and serving at the Suffolk County Air Force Base he was promoted to Airman First Class. He would later receive promotions to Senior Airman and Technical Sergeant before his retirement in 1979. During an illustrious military career that spanned more than two decades Robert’s accomplishments included numerous military promotions, commendations and awards. Robert’s accomplishments included the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Longevity Service Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Following his retirement from the military in 1979, Robert continued his tenure of service working with Hughes Aircraft as an advisor to the Air Force for 5 years.

In 1984, Robert returned to Memphis, TN where he worked for the United States Postal Service at the Memphis Bulk Mail Center. Robert’s skills and talent led to multiple promotions during his tenure from Mail Handler to Mechanic and later Electronic Technician. Izz, as they affectionately called him at the BMC, received multiple awards during his time with the United States Postal Service. Izz was even awarded a Special Achievement Award by the Plant Manager in 2003. Upon his retirement in 2009 his legacy was cemented as one of the most loved, respected, and sought after Electronic Technicians in this Region.

Robert leaves to cherish his wonderful memory his wife Patricia; one daughter Marilyn I. Scurlock (Spencer) of West Chester, Ohio, one son Mario Isabel; three granddaughters: Tamara Scurlock, Dana Scurlock and Leah Scurlock; one great grandson Kye; two sisters, Beverly I. Fuller (James) of New York and Jacqueline I. Scott of Memphis, one brother, Dr. Roy J. Isabel (Frances) of Antioch, TN, two sisters in law: Charlene Isabel and Deloris Isabel both of Memphis. As well as a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and devoted friends who will miss him dearly and always honor his memory and legacy.