Edward Kenneth Isbey, Jr., M.D.
August 25, 1929 ~ August 31, 2023
Born in:
Detroit, Michigan
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Edward Kenneth Isbey, Jr., M.D. passed away on August 31, 2023, surrounded by his family and close friends. He was preceded in death by Brian Isbey, Ford Isbey, Roxane Isbey, Jr. and Steve Lomax.
Edward was born to Edward and Marian Isbey on August 25, 1929, in Detroit, MI. He attended Grosse Pointe High School and loved playing multiple sports. After graduation, he attended Dartmouth College and Wayne State University Medical School. Following his residency at Kresge Eye Institute, he served in the U.S. Navy for two years in Portsmouth, VA. In 1961, he began practicing ophthalmology in Asheville, NC. In 1987, he partnered with Thomas Beardsley, M.D., and Edward Isbey, III, M.D., to form Asheville Eye Associates and helped the practice become a premier provider of eye care. His medical practice spanned 50 years.
He was a national leader in ophthalmology. He had active roles in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NC Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and especially The American Eye Study Club. He was forward-thinking, innovative, and encouraged others to pursue their passions.
Edward is survived by his wife Rita Lomax Isbey of 38 years; his son, Edward Isbey, III (Jane); his daughter, Caroline Isbey Russell (Allen); and his daughter-in-law, Julie Isbey (Ford), Monica Lomax Turbyfill (Bill), Susanne Lomax Greenwood (Brian), Heidi Lomax Kramon (Gordon) and Lisbeth Lomax Harrison. He is also survived by multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He loved his family, people and life. Edward made friends very easily and had friends throughout the United States. If he sat next to a stranger on a plane, by the end of the flight they were good friends. He gave of himself to help his family, his patients and countless others. Edward’s passions included fly-fishing, orchids and the practice of ophthalmology.
He will be missed by all the people who have known and loved him. The family is very grateful for the love, assistance, and kindness provided by so many people.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Trinity Episcopal Church with a reception to follow in the church’s Tuton Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Eye Study Club Foundation, 10 W. Phillip Rd, Suite 120, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1730 or Manna Food Bank, 627 Swannanoa River Rd., Asheville, NC 28805-2445.
Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.
Services
Memorial Service: September 9, 2023 2:00 pm
Trinity Episcopal Church
60 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 253-9361
http://www.trinityasheville.org
Reception: September 9, 2023 3:00 pm
Room: Tuton Hall
Trinity Episcopal Church
60 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801
(828) 253-9361
http://www.trinityasheville.org
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Sad to know he is gone from this world, but know he put his trust in Jesus and so we will see you again, at The House!
Love and our condolences,
Danny and Lorraine Councell
What a Giant of a man has temporarily left our family, Dr. Isbey was a man of great faith. He was so kind and generous. His whole practice was that way. I look forward to spending eternity with him. Until then, rest in the arms of Jesus.
Condolences to the entire Isbey Family. Especially the excellent doctor Edward Isbey, III. God bless. Pete and Patricia House
Dear Rita and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. A life well and long lived!
Sincerely,
Paul
condolences to you all as to know him is to love him… His heart & love of life so huge ..
a beautiful mentor and friend whom I will always cherish.. thank you for sharing him with me. until we meet again Godspeed my friend……,
Rest in peace Doc, you started as a customer and became friend. Great memories of dinners of filet and wine.
So sorry to just now learn of this great man’s passing. I became a patient of his in 1961 when I was 4 – years old and eventually worked with him as an OR nurse. He will be tremendously missed. I know your loss is huge. Bless all his family.
He was the definition of a true gentleman. He helped so many people. May he Rest In Peace for a life well lived.
will actually never leave us.
As long as we keep them with us,
in our hearts and in our thoughts,
they will stay with us.
Because love is timeless,
and wil always exist.
David Cook and Constance
Dear Rita,
Laurie and I are so sorry about Ed’s passing. We celebrate his amazing life and knowing him! We are grateful for his encouragement and kind words every time we saw him. We pray for the Lord to give you strength in this time of sorrow and grief. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Love, Laurie and Tony Johnson
Shawn and Tena Cole
Our family was fortunate to have “grown up” with him and his family. He was our dad’s best friend. Mom worked for Dr. Isbey for a while in the early days of his growing practice. He was always the consummate professional and a joy to work with. The children were our “city friends” who would come to visit us on our farm to play in the barn, go sledding, have cookouts, and create lasting memories. We were their “country friends” who would regularly visit them in the city to play and laugh, see his latest orchids, and share in their wonderful hospitality. Our families vacationed together, going on memorable fishing trips to Lake Jocassee and at the Isbey home on Lake Huron in Pointe aux Barques, MI.
For me and my brother, Dr. Isbey was also a sort of second father – listening when we needed a friendly ear or advice, offering guidance during rough times, getting us to laugh when we needed to laugh, and crying together when we needed to cry. He was also invaluable support and significant counsel during our serious health crises during our youth.
It seems that laughter was a common element every time we were together. Ed’s sense of humor and infectious chuckle often kept us all in stitches.
While we are deeply saddened by his passing, we will always be full of joy when we think of Dr. Isbey and the many wonderful and lasting memories he and his family have helped to create in our lives.
Love to Rita and the Isbey family,
Susan Smith
To Rita and family: Courtney and I are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you today as you prepare to celebrate Doc’s life—and what a wonderful, full life it was! Our deepest sympathy…
Carol Stephens
We were saddened to hear of Ed’s death and regret not being able to attend his Memorial Service because of poor health. We were thinking of him. We have known Ed and some of his family since we moved to Asheville in the early 70’s and were impressed by him as a person and as a physician. We send our deepest condolences to his family.