James Frederick “Fred” Isbill, 89, passed away on August 31, 2026. Born December 30, 1936, Fred grew up in Vonore, Tennessee, and carried that East Tennessee spirit with him for the rest of his life. Fred graduated from Vonore High School and Hiwassee College. He then spent time in the army before starting his career with Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Ga in 1957. Fred spent 37 years with Delta Air Lines, retiring as station manager in Knoxville. After hanging up his airline career, he began a second act that suited him perfectly: ten years as a train conductor at Dollywood. There he did what he loved most—telling stories and making people laugh—entertaining guests on every trip. He was also the familiar “Voice of the Vonore High School Blue Devils,” serving as public address announcer for school sports for many years at the high school he and his two children attended. Fred later brought that same energy to the airwaves as a sports announcer for a local radio station. Fred also enjoyed traveling. He and his wife of 39 years, Linda, visited all 50 states plus Canada, Ireland, England, and Italy. They often traveled with close friends, children and grandchildren. A lifelong University of Tennessee Volunteer and Atlanta Braves fan, Fred never met a story he couldn’t improve or a crowd he couldn’t charm. Friends and family will remember him for his humor, his easy way with people, and the way he could turn an ordinary moment into a tale worth repeating.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved spouse of 39 years, Linda Isbill. He was a devoted father to Michael Isbill (spouse Susan) and Candace Hicks (spouse Kenny). Fred’s family extended further to include his stepchildren Kim McBath (spouse Terry), Pam Temple (spouse Randy), and Jeff Harrison (spouse Judy). He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren Lucas Isbill, Zachary Hicks, Riley Hicks, Maranda Brown (spouse Jeff), Matthew McBath (spouse Sarah), Megan Householder (spouse Aaron), Chelsea Temple (partner Miller Himelright), Briana McDaniel (spouse Joshua), Brooke Temple, Tanner Harrison (spouse Wendy). Fred was a great-grandfather to Madelyn, Maleah, Caedmon, and Avery Coulter, Jackson and Liam McBath, Sadie Householder, Logan McDaniel, Luna Himelright, and Greyson Hicks.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept 27th at Bierley-Hale Funeral Home in Madisonville, Tennessee. Family and friends are invited for visitation at 3:00 PM with the service commencing at 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, a charity very close to Fred’s heart.

Donations can be made at https://www.secondharvestetn.org.