James Donald "Donny" Sutterfield

Donny Sutterfield had a contagious laugh.

Yes, he had many other wonderful qualities, but the joy from hearing his laugh cannot be overstated.

Donny was born in Russellville, Arkansas, on Dec. 23, 1976, to parents, Dennis and Carol Sutterfield, who knew immediately that his life would be extraordinary. Born with a long list of disabilities and physical challenges, he was also a beautiful and happy child.

He lived at home with his parents and two sisters, attending school until the age of 12 when he needed to be moved to a facility with 24-hour medical care. Over the years he would go through various medical procedures to help improve his quality of life, but he never lost his joyful spirit and capacity for full belly laughs.

Donny never outgrew his love for action and color. He loved cartoons, seeing balloons dance and watching light shows. He lived at the Conway Human Development Center for the last 26 years of his life, where he had many friends whom he also considered family, especially his good buddies, Allen and Cody. His parents would visit him often and take him on long walks outside where he was able to showcase his great bone structure with an assortment of sunglasses.

To look at him, you might feel sorry for him and think he had a life that was only half-lived because of the challenges he faced physically. But that couldn't be further from the truth. He loved and was surrounded by love. He inspired those around him to truly see the value and beauty of life, especially when that life looks a little different than the "norm."

Sadly, Donny was diagnosed with liver cancer at the beginning of this year. He died at the Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas, on July 30, 2024, surrounded by friends and family who stayed with him through the end. He was blessed with numerous nurses, doctors and staff members over the last year who did everything in their power to ensure that he was comfortable and supported through it all.

Make no doubt about it – Donny lived a full and happy life. He will be tremendously missed, and his memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Donny leaves behind his mother, Carol Sutterfield of Rogers, Arkansas; his two sisters and brothers-in-law, Karen (Brennan) O'Donohoe of Rogers, Arkansas, Lisa (Kris) Griggs of Springdale, Arkansas; two nieces, Sophia O'Donohoe and Emma Griggs; one nephew, Patrick O'Donohoe; grandparents, Donald and Annelle Hill; several wonderful aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donny is now at peace, joining his father, Dennis Sutterfield; grandparents, James and Connie Sutterfield; and a pack of ill-behaved dogs.

There will be a small graveside service and balloon release later this fall at the Plant Baptist Cemetery in Clinton, Arkansas.

If you wish to make a donation in honor of Donny, please consider donating to the Conway Human Development Center in Conway, Arkansas, or the Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas.