The Oakley-Isbell Family Returns for their 48th Year Family Reunion at Palmetto Dunes

The Oakley-Isbell Family Celebrates both a Family Reunion and a 50th Wedding Anniversary

70 family members on the Palmetto Dunes pickleball courts, traveling all over the U.S. to experience a Hilton Head vacation together, really reminds you of how special family is. 

The Oakley-Isbell family started visiting Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in 1977. 

Jeanie Isbell painted us a picture of how it all started. Her Mom & Dad, Betty Isbell & Dr. Homer from Maryville, Tennessee, came down to Palmetto Dunes Resort with her and her husband, Hal, for a vacation trip in 1977. 

They happened to find Palmetto Dunes and Hilton Head Island so charming they bought their first time share in Palmetto Dunes Resort and began the tradition of vacationing here every year, from 1977 to now 2025 and onward.  

Over the years, they have always stayed together in Ocean Cove, a wonderful neighborhood situated on along the lagoon system in Palmetto Dunes.

Family Fun in Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island

During their Palmetto Dunes Family Vacation, they love experiencing the variety of activities around the resort such as swimming at the beach & pool, playing golf, tennis, pickleball, going on group bikes rides, dining, visiting Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina and more. 

It’s an annual tradition of theirs to take a trip to one of their favorite Palmetto Dunes restaurants, The Dunes House, where they enjoy great conversations, delicious food, and unforgettable oceanfront views. Along with enjoying quality time spent back at their vacation rental, reveling in conversations, cooking dinner, playing games, and watching movies together at the house. 

Some of their fondest family memories are celebrating special occasions. Here, the Isbell-Oakley family celebrates Betty and Homer’s 70th Wedding Anniversary in 2017 with 4 generations of family being present.

The Oakley-Isbell family reunion started with 4 family members in 1977 and grew over time to 50 family members in 2024 to now 70 family members in 2025. Over the decades they’ve celebrated birthdays, milestones and wedding anniversaries. 

Jeanie & Hal Celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary at Pope Squire Community Park

This summer the family held a special celebration for their 50th Wedding Anniversary as they renewed their vows at Pope Squire Community Park on Hilton Head Island. 

The renewal of their wedding’s vows & ceremony was led by their 3 children and wedding party of brothers and sisters.

Hal and Jeanie have now been married for 50 years! 

Congratulations on 50 years from all of us at Palmetto Dunes!

In loving memory of Jeanie’s parents last time at the Palmetto Dunes beach with their three daughters, June 2018 

“We have truly cherished our time spent creating memories with our parents and family over all these years in Palmetto Dunes. Once we leave, we can’t wait to go back the following year to make more memories that last a lifetime. Our children say of all the places we’ve traveled, Hilton Head is our favorite.” - Jeanie 

Vacation Moments at Palmetto Dunes that Stay with Us Forever

Thank you to Jeanie, her parents, Hal, and the entire Isbell-Oakley Family for choosing to stay with us and make memories every year at Palmetto Dunes Resort here on Hilton Head Island. The start of the Oakley’s legacy and their family traditions will live on in Palmetto Dunes. Hopefully this reminds you of your own summer vacations and family reunions growing up, as it did for us. 

Plan your trip and make memories together here at the beautiful Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort on Hilton Head Island.