Bradley Clair Sutherland

Bradley Clair Sutherland, age 70, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, in Grapevine, Texas, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on October 2, 1955, in Orange, California, to Dwight M. and Marilyn Mae (Kreitz) Sutherland, joining his two older sisters, Carolyn and Karla.

Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a rare heart defect, Brad was one of the first children to receive the Blalock heart procedure at age 5, and had a follow up open heart surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles when he was just 11-years-old. Defying all odds, he survived to live a long, healthy and happy life. 

He grew up in Fullerton, California, surrounded by a large extended family of loving cousins, aunts and uncles. He graduated from Sunny Hills High School in 1973 and received his degree in Computer Science from Cal Poly Pomona in 1980. Always a social butterfly, Brad had many childhood friends, and in 1986, he got to experience the joy of watching one of his best friends, Gary Carter, win the World Series with the New York Mets.

In 1980, Brad married Judy Stephens. They were blessed with two daughters, Samantha (Sam) and Jacquelyn (J.D.), while they were living in California. In 1989, the family relocated to Texas for Brad’s job with American Airlines, it was a new adventure for the whole family. Through Brad’s career with different companies, he made many long and lasting friendships. In 2013, the family expanded when Samantha married Zach Chasin – finally giving Brad the loving son he always wanted.

Travel, friendships and faith were of the upmost importance to Brad. He saw many countries and landscapes, having the wisdom to be present and take in every moment in each. In 2022, he proudly became "Grandpa Granch” to his perfect grandson, Archer Finley. Brad loved many things, but most of all: bacon, a well grilled steak, and a proper Old Fashion. He cheered for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars (and we trust in his divine intervention for the Stars this season... they WILL go all the way)!

Taking much pride in his community of 35 years, Brad belonged to the Grapevine Wine Pouring Society, Grapevine Garden Club and he was an active member of St. Francis Catholic Church.

During Brad’s life and many travels, he often paused on a quiet bench to take in the world around him – the birds, trees, butterflies, and every small wonder nature offered – especially people. In his honor, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Grapevine Garden Club to help place benches in local parks, creating peaceful spaces for others to enjoy the world around them just as Brad Sutherland did.

Donations may be mailed to:

Grapevine Garden Club, P.O. Box 811 Grapevine, TX 76099 or send via Zelle to: treasurer@grapevinegardenclub.org.  Please include a note indicating the gift is in Brad’s honor.

A service will be held on March 27, 2026, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Grapevine at 11:00AM with a reception to follow at The Vine Arts & Events Center in Grapevine at 1:30PM.

Brad’s family would like to thank their wonderful community for the outpouring of love and support. We appreciate you all for holding us up during this difficult time, Brad was a character and a once-in-a-lifetime human being.