Daniel Grey Isaacs

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Grey Isaacs, husband, dad, papa, son, brother, friend and coach. He was a bright face, and will be missed by so many friends and family. This is a sad time, and our family is devastated by his passing.
Dan, born on June 25, 1940 to Lonnie Grey and Maggie Christian Isaacs in the Sands Community of Watauga County was the eldest of six. A stranger to no one and no musical instrument. Dan discovered his passion for music at a very young age while listening to his family play on Isaacs’ Branch in the Cove Creek Community. His first instrument was the guitar which he learned to play from his cousin Ora Isaacs Watson. He loved his grandfather’s banjo, and before long, Dad Christian inspired him to begin playing it. His early years were spent on the go, always visiting family and friends and showing off his musical talent everywhere he went.  
His second love was the sport of basketball. He and his four brothers dominated the court. Their talent ran deep, and their sister wasn’t left out. As a freshman at Cove Creek High school, Coach Bingham invited Dan to join the Varsity team.  That year, the team went to the state finals.  This would cement his future as an athlete, coach and mentor; however, his basketball career didn’t end there.  He was recruited by Lees McRae College with a basketball scholarship where he excelled, then transferred to Appalachian State University to complete degrees in Physical Education and Social Studies. After graduating in 1964, he was drafted into the Army, serving as a Recreation Specialist and as a presenter for officials at the War College.  Dan completed his service with the Army, and returned home to join the reforestation efforts in Watauga County. He dabbled in a few jobs before settling into a lifetime career as the Physical Education teacher at his old stomping grounds, Cove Creek Elementary school in 1969. Dan/Coach Isaacs became the inaugural elementary physical education teacher in Watauga County.
In 1972, Dan married Betty Snyder, and they built their life together in the old white house purchased from Dan’s father. They have two loving children, Danyale and Daniel Isaacs.  He spent much of his life teaching them his values and how to play ball.  
After 32 years, Dan retired from coaching at Cove Creek Elementary in 2001.  With this newfound freedom, he had time to pursue his love of music, and spend time with family, friends and grandchildren. It has been said “Dan was famous in these parts,” and we tend to agree. He was loved by fans across the region. He picked up the fiddle again in mid-life and practiced daily at home.  He wanted to master it and this he certainly did. He and Betty would frequently drop into any “Jam Session” he could track down to hone his skills and jaw with friends. He and Betty celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in the family home in July. Those who knew Dan, and the type of soul he had, knows how difficult this loss is for our family.
Dan was predeceased by his parents Maggie and Lonnie Isaacs; brothers Douglas Keith and Gary Marshall Isaacs and sisters in law Sue Isaacs (Gary) and Iracilla Isaacs (David).
Dan is survived by his wife Betty Snyder Isaacs; son Daniel Isaacs (Susan) of Boone NC; daughter Danyale Isaacs and grandchildren Quinn and Cameron Isaacs of Asheville NC. He is also survived by his siblings David Henry Isaacs of Brazil; Kay Francis Isaacs Norris (Jack) of Boone NC; Tony Randall Isaacs (Doris) of Boone NC; sister in laws Treva Isaacs (Doug) and Gerri Isaacs (Gary) and beloved brother and sisters in law, cousins, nephews, nieces, students and friends.
In lieu of a traditional funeral service, our family is hosting a celebration of Dan’s life at the old Cove Creek Gymnasium, Dale Adams Rd. Sugar Grove, NC. We will be prepared to remember our dearest husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, coach and friend on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at the old Cove Creek Gymnasium from 1-4 pm.
In lieu of flowers we request donations be made to any of the following which are very close to our hearts:
AMOREM is the only not-for-profit hospice care provider in this region. Donations to AMOREM are tax-deductible and can be sent in memory of Daniel G. Isaacs to 902 Kirkwood Street, NW Lenoir, NC 28645 or by phone at 828.754.0101
Cove Creek Church Cemetery fund in memory of Daniel G. Isaacs PO Box 68, Sugar Grove, NC 28679
Cove Creek High School Class of 1958 Scholarship fund in memory of Daniel G. Isaacs c/o JB Townsend 114 Jake Miller Rd. Boone, NC, 28607

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