Leslie Taylor Israel, age 87, of Honaker, Virginia passed away Wednesday (April 14, 2021) in a Bristol, Tennessee hospital. Born February 18, 1934 in Drill, Virginia, he was a son of the late Walter and Goldie Hess Israel. A lifelong resident of the area, he was formerly employed as a coal miner, and most recently as a driver for Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading western books, watching NASCAR, fishing and listening to bluegrass music. He had a passion for driving, a colorful vocabulary and imagination. He loved being with his family and seeing his grandchildren always made him smile.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lois Shepherd Israel and one brother, Bobby Israel.
Survivors include four children, Lisa Ball and husband, Terry, Lee Ann Israel and Jason Maggard and Michael Israel and wife, Diana and Lloyd Craig “Floppy” Israel; four grandchildren, Justin Israel, Jordan Israel, Jackson Israel and Olivia Israel; two sisters, Charlene Blankenship and Kathy Vance; two brothers, Bill Israel and wife, Judy and Larry Israel and wife, Norma; several nieces and nephews also survive.
Graveside services will be conducted at 3 PM Sunday at the Baldwin Cemetery on Stinson Ridge Road, Drill, Virginia with Rev. Chester Ball officiating. Interment will follow. The family will receive friends from 2 pm to 3 pm Sunday at the cemetery.
Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers.