By Marla Jones

Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, ALA.-- On December 29, 2022, Dr. Blake Isbell walked out of the door at Isbell Medical Group for the last time.

For a combined 106 years, a Dr. Isbell has been on hand to deliver babies in DeKalb County. Isbell Clinic opened it’s practice over 62 years ago. Dr. Blake Isbell was a doctor to many at Isbell Clinic for 39 ½ years.

The office of Isbell Medical Group OB/Gyn said it best with their tribute to Dr. Blake. “He is a legend. Where do you begin? What are the appropriate words? Dr. Blake Isbell worked his last GYN clinic schedule at Isbell Medical Group last week and walked down the hall and out the back door to his well-deserved retirement. So many mixed emotions today!!

While we are obviously so happy he is able to retire and spend his days with big plans or no plans; travel around the world or around the town with his best girl; enjoy his kids and grandkids and his family as much as he wants....even though he deserves days and days of rest and relaxing--we are going to miss him terribly at the office!!

An emotional day for all of us, many tears were shed. At the end of the day we all just kinda stood around trying to put off that last walk down the hall!

We don’t have to tell any of you what a great man he is, if you know him you know. He has impacted so many lives in this community with his excellent patient care that is second to none, his brilliant mind and always the go-to for anything we can’t remember, and his huge heart for the Lord that spilled over into anyone he came in contact with.

He has been our center and our compass with a quiet, steady, confident leadership that he learned from the very best before him, quietly and humbly keeping the integrity and morality bar very high. Dr. Blake has worked hard to continue the great legacy of IMG, and continue it will.

He is a nut and so much fun to be around and work with. His “hilarious” jokes will certainly be missed lol!  He does not like the attention, he did not want a big deal made, in fact, his words were “I just want to ride off quietly into the sunset”. We will let you ride, but not without a very inadequate “Thank you- We Love You, and oh how we will miss you, Dr. Blake!”

Southern Torch wishes the best for Doctor Blake Isbell and “ride off into the sunset, just not too far”.