Joseph Clark Sutherlin

Joseph Clark Sutherlin, known to those who loved him as Joe, Joey, Papaw, Dad, and Daddy, passed away on May 26, 2026, just one month shy of his 55th birthday. A resident of Miramar Beach, Joe was impossible to miss — cruising around in the Thing with his long hair and flowing beard catching the salt air, looking every bit like the coolest beach bum grandpa on the Emerald Coast.

Joe was born on June 26, 1971, in Orlando, to Patricia Bates and the late Randall Sutherlin. He was also lovingly raised by his bonus father, Keith Bates. Joe had a quick wit, legendary sarcasm, and a personality larger than life, but beneath it all was a man with an enormous heart who loved his family fiercely.

He married the love of his life, Donna Jean, and together they shared nearly 40 years of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Joe worked hard to provide for his family and even built their family home himself with no formal construction experience — simply because he believed he could figure out anything for the people he loved.

Joe truly lived life to the fullest. He was a pioneer in the disc golf community, raced mini-sprints fearlessly, loved deep sea fishing, and rarely missed a Cincinnati Reds game. He enjoyed cold beer, live music, long walks on the beach, and spending time at Cabanas surrounded by good friends and family.

Of all the titles he held, being Papaw was his favorite. Nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren, and time spent with family meant everything to him. 

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Donna J. Sutherlin; his mother, Patricia Bates; his bonus father, Keith Bates; his Aunt Maxine, Uncle Morgan, and Aunt Chris; his sister, Gena Holton; his daughters, Samantha Duke (David), Kari Williams, and Hannah Marcum (Matthew); and his beloved grandchildren, Christiana, Clayton, Keith, Roseanna, Morgan, Stanley, Christopher, Abel, Zoey, and Addison. He is also survived by his nieces, Jessica, Allison, and Bobbi Jo; great-nieces and nephews, Bubba, John Bennett (“JB”), Jameson, Jerek, and Emersyn; and countless friends and loved ones whose lives he touched over the years.

He was preceded in death by his father, Randall Sutherlin; his son-in-law, Chris Williams; Grandma Della Johnson; Grandpa Johnny; Uncle Larry; and Grandma Jean.

Joe lived a full, loud, beautiful life. If you were lucky enough to be loved by him, then you already know how special that love was. He loved fiercely, laughed easily, and left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in the kind of peace that feels like a perfect beach day — cold beer in hand, waves rolling in, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of Joe Sutherlin. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 31st at 1:00 p.m. at Cabanas.