In Memory of Isaac: Supporting Emily and Adeline

On March 15th, Isaac Lee Phillips Shumate went to sleep and woke up with Jesus. Isaac was a true warrior, fought a very brave battle, and never gave up on the hope for healing. Isaac was born April 29, 1992 to Bobby and Donna Shumate. He came into the world, welcomed by all his Grandparents and his Aunt Barbara. Isaac arrived very early and tiny, coming home at an abundant 4 pounds. He was a fighter from day one. Isaac was raised in Wilkesboro with two brothers- Justin Shumate and Zach Shumate. Isaac and his brothers shared a childhood of outdoor activities including: tree forts, large neighborhood air soft battles, trampoline camping, and countless fishing adventures. When asked about his childhood, Isaac would often reply that he loved being outside with his brothers. Isaac would tell stories of being the middle child, always claiming it was the most important of the lineup, as his mediation and people skills came in handy. When the family would gather, Isaac loved to share the number of rescues he completed, as one of his two brothers would fall into the river at Uncle Mike’s, while attempting to catch the biggest fish from a suspended log. 

 

As time passed, it became apparent that Isaac loved three things: God, his family, and his Country. In 2012, Isaac entered the military, where he fully embraced the character and heart of a Proud Soldier. He loved his biological brothers and loved his brothers in the military. During the years following his service as a Calvary Scout, Isaac’s life was filled with many wonderful undertakings like volunteer firefighting, movie sound production with his cousin Jared, embracing of the latest in technology and science in survival and rescue gadgets, and a very well pronounced love for all things flashlights. Isaac was never without the latest flashlight in his pocket and loved when someone asked to use it. 

The love of his life was Emily Marie White, who he married in 2014. During the early years, Emily and Isaac lived together with their well-trained dog, Scout (named for his love of Army service), and a rescue kitten name Nala. Isaac later shared that Nala came at the right time as Emily was upset with him and a small kitten would surely make the situation better, which it did. In 2019, Isaac and Emily were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Adeline Grace. Adeline was the apple of Isaac’s eye, who before the age of 5 was well trained in many areas to include: basic rescue/firefighting skills, the musical music that can be made with a didgeridoo, how to drive his 2001 Toyota Forerunner, and not to forget the importance of a flashlight. 

     

In 2021, Isaac began the battle of lifetime with a neurological illness. Over the next 3 years, whether in the hospital or at home, Isaac never lost his positivity or his love to help others. If anyone (known or unknown) needed encouragement, Isaac was always willing to share a moment of comedic relief. During the many long days of treatment at the VA, Isaac continued to be a caretaker. Not only would he pack snacks for himself to help pass the infusion days, he would pack extra for those who needed encouragement. His love for others, his huge heart, and his ability to make others laugh will be missed by his family members, his brothers in the military, and all who encountered his warmth and light. Most of all, Isaac would want to share with everyone, that we should love the Lord our God, love each other above ourselves, and never forget the power of a good one liner when a friend is feeling down.