Donnie Boyer Crotty
August 6, 1995 ~ July 21, 2011
Resided in:
Arden, NC
On July 21, 2011 the Crotty family, TCR family and many residents of the Arden and Asheville community lost a very well loved young man. Donnie was born August 6th, 1995 in Asheville and attended TC Roberson High School, as a rising Junior. Donnie was only 15 years old when he lost his life due to an accident while volunteering at the TCR Youth Football Camp.
Donnie sustained severe injuries to his brain and heart which later caused his death. When word spread of the incident the local community opened their arms with love and many prayers for the family. Donnie was the kindest and most loving among young men. His older sister, Samantha, said many times, "He was always the comic relief in an situation and he gave the best hugs." Our hearts are broken and the only relief that we can find is that our sweet boy is up in heaven wearing golden wings and watching over us. He will now be healed and have no scars. He is perfect.
Donnie is survived by his mother, Susie Crotty (Candler), his father, Donald R. Crotty, Jr. (Fort Lauderdale), his stepfather, Honorable Edwin Clontz (Candler), his sister, Samantha L. Crotty (Atanta), his grandparents, Jeanne and Jim Bucher (Swannanoa) and Constance Crotty (Fort Laudedale), also many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will be at Groce Funeral Home, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC, on Sunday, July 24, from 6pm to 9pm. Funeral Service will be Monday, July 25, at Arden Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville Road, Arden at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made out to TC Roberson, Attn: Laura Beatty, 250 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC 28803, with "Weight Room" printed on the memo section of the checks; also memorials be made out to Asheville Redbirds, Attn: James Bradley, PO Box 5944, Asheville, NC 28813. Both the TCR Weight Room and the Asheville Redbirds were a major part of Donnie's life and he was a better person because of both of them.
Donnie, mom loves you and remember, my heart runneth over. Until I see you again my love.
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Donnie, Susie, Samantha and family:
I haven’t seen you all in quite some time, in fact ‘little’ Donnie was still ‘little’ during those racing days. I will always remember what a beautiful baby boy he was. There is very little, if any, comfort in times like this, but it is apparent by listening to stories from teachers, friends and fellow students/athletes what an amazing young man Donnie was. He touched a lot of lives in his short time here on earth. That is a tribute to you as parents.
Love and prayers,
Amy
Susie: So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Sandy
Susie –
I am so sorry about Donnie – he was such a special child and you did a great job raising him to be an amazing young man. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, but you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy
My Dear Susie,
I am so sad to learn of Donnie’s death. I can’t begin to know the grief you are experiencing, but I do know how close you and Donnie were and how very much you loved him. He was an incredible young man and I know how proud you were of him. He will be missed by so many. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I want to help in any way I possibly can. I love you.
Susie: You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Donnie was a special young man and words can never say how much he will be missed. I am so sorry and my heart aches for you. Hugs, Carole Brezeale
SUSIE,SAMANTHA,AND FAMILY
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DONNIE’S PASSING. ONLY KNOWING DONNIE AND YOU SUSIE FOR A SHORT TIME ( THRU PEOPLE 2 PEOPLE) THIS HAS HURT US SO DEEPLY. I DO NOT BEGIN TO KNOW YOUR LOSS OR GRIEF AS A MOTHER BUT I DO KNOW SAMANTHA’S LOSS. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TIME OUR FAMILY GOT TO KNOW DONNIE. HE WAS SUCH A GREAT YOUNG MAN. FULL OF LIFE, POLITE,HE HAD SUCH A POSITIVE ENERGY ABOUT WHAT HE WAS DOING.AUSTIN WAS EXCITED ABOUT THE TRIP TO EUROPE SO HE WOULD GET TO KNOW DONNIE MORE.HE FEELS THAT HE WAS BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN DONNIE EVEN THOUGH IT WAS A SHORT TIME.AUSTIN, TIM AND I WILL NEVER FORGET DONNIE OR YOU. WHEN WE LOOK BACK ON THE TRIP TO EUROPE 2011 DONNIE WILL ALWAYS BE A HUGE PART OF THAT MEMORY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU NOW AND DAYS TO COME.I KNOW DONNIE WAS EXCITED ABOUT HIS TRIP BUT LITTLE DID HE OR ANYONE KNOW THAT HIS JOURNEY WOULD TAKE A DIFFERENT PATH. ONE THAT’S GREATER THAN SEEING EUROPE HE GOT TO SEE JESUS AND HEAVEN. HE IS IN NO MORE PAIN. HE IS WAITING TO SEE US AND HIS SPIRIT IS ALWAYS THERE TO GUIDE US AND HIS MEMORY IS ALL OF OUR COMFORT. HE WAS HERE FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT HE MADE A POSITIVE IMPRESSION ON ALL WHO HE MET. SOME PEOPLE HAVE 90 YEARS AND NEVER COME CLOSE TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE THE WAY HE DID. IT’S NOT HOW LONG YOU HAVE IT’S WHAT YOU DO WITH THAT TIME AND WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND ALWAYS KNOW THAT YOU CAN CALL ON HIM. WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE NO ONE IS THERE OR THAT THEY HAVE FORGOT KNOW GOD IS CLOSER THAN ANYONE AND HE KNOWS WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART AND YOUR FEELINGS. WE ARE HERE IF YOU NEED US BUT KNOW I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR DONNIE AND I WILL PRAY FOR YOU.
I am in Heaven now, its a place that is more beautiful than I could ever dream…there are people I know, loved ones and friends, there is a peaceful running stream, and a choir of angels who constantly sing…I did not want to leave you so soon, but God needed another unique flower for His garden…he saw I was in pain and stuggling and reached down His loving hand and picked me up and said ‘come on son, its time for you to get your wings’, I obeyed and did not fight, I was tired from the short battle, so I smiled and said ‘yes Lord’ and I took my heavenly flight…I will never leave you..you will forever be my family and friends…I love you more than words can say and remember I want to see you in Glory with me some day…
So sorry for you loss, I do not understand, but I can tell from whats being said, you should be very proud of Donnie, he was a fine young man…
My name is Sharla Jefferson-Jones. I am the mother of Jonathan ‘JJ’ Jones.
My heartfelt condolences goes out to your family during this extremely difficult time. JJ spoke very fondly of Donnie, and said that he would be truly missed. Our prayers are with you. God Bless
The family of Jonathan ‘JJ’ Jones
I was so shocked to find out about Donnie. When I told Mason he just couldn’t believe it. We just keep thinking about all the years of ball they played together at Erwin. We remember the year that his dad coached and Mason and Donnie pitched. Donnie always tried to keep the team upbeat and positive. He wanted to make sure that all his team mates were having fun even back then. He will truely be missed here on earth. He is now one of God’s angels watching over all of you.
So sorry for your loss you and your family are in our prayers
Donnie, Susie & family,
I am so saddened to hear about Donnie. I remember him when he played football with the Erwin Youth League years ago with my son Colton Smith. I cannot imagine what your hearts are going through. My prayers are with you all now and in the days to come.God bless each of you.
Susie, Ed, Don, Samantha, Jeanne and all the family,
We have great memories of all of you and Donnie is at the center of them all. Such sweet memories, from watching Susie with baby Donnie those first few days at daycare, to Donnie helping Don build shelves or fixing something in the garage and seeing the love between Samantha and Donnie. We are blessed to have known your sweet boy.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Joyce, Rick and Brandy Neal
To the Most Special Boy:
In one of the stars
I shall be living.
In one of them
I shall be laughing
and so it will be
as if all the stars
were laughing
when you look
at the sky at night.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Donnie, we will never forget the love between you and your mom. Or the love and laughter you shared with all those around you. You will remain a special bright spot in all our hearts. May you rest in peace and love until you and your wonderful mother are reunited.
We will never forget the special July 4, 2010 that our families shared shared. What a
wonderful celebration we had together!
Much love to all Clontz-Crotty Family from all the Kempsons
Susie, Don, Sam & Family,
Donnie is a special kid, always has been. From the time I was blessed to meet him when he was 9 years old, he has impressed me with how kind, sweet, considerate, joyful and happy he was. What a blessing and a joy to know him! Same goes for Susie–what a special friendship we’ve shared thru the years! Please know that I love you so much and will do anything I can to help you thru this time in your life. I will be praying for GOD’s loving arms to surround you all to comfort you and to bring you peace. This is so hard to accept…I can’t imagine, but we know that we will see Donnie again where there is no sorrow, no pain, no grief. Until then, rely on GOD to carry you thru. I love you, Tanya
Dear Susie,
I know that no words I express can take away the sadness and grief you feel. But please know you are in my heart and prayers during this time. May you take comfort in knowing that the love you always gave Donnie made him the very special person he was. You have many friends, including me, and I hope that you will rely on these friends to help you through this time in your life. I am always available, any time night or day. With heartfelt sympathy and love, Karen
I am Sharla Jefferson-Jones, mother of Jonathan ‘JJ’ Jones. I am so sorry to hear of your devastating loss. Jonathan always spoke so fondly of Donnie, and he will be truly missed. Our very heartfelt condolences goes out to you and your family during this extremely difficult time. God is with Donnie, but he is also with you. God bless.
The Jones Family
Randy & I want to send our deepest sympathy for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you during most difficult time in your life!
Susie, Ed, Don, & Sam –
Our hearts are breaking with you. Donnie was a fine young man with a heart of gold and a smile that could light up the room and make you wonder what he was up to. He will be dearly missed. Our prayers are with you, please let us know if we can do anything to help during this painful time.
Love,
Teddy, Michelle, TJ & Jacob
Don and Susie,
Please know how much you are loved and prayed for. There are no words to express my grief for your loss, but words of hope in knowing that you will see your beloved son again.
Jane
Ed & I continue to pray for you all that the assurance that Donnie is now rejoicing in the presence of Jesus will give you peace and joy that nothing else can.
We remember Donnie when he played with Marshall on Kent cooks baseball team. We will be praying for the family. Donnie is where we are all hoping to be someday. May the Lord be with you during your loss.God Bless.
The way you discribe Donnie sounds so much like my son, James was discribed so many times. James died at 16 years old, as a result of an incident a TCR. James died before Donnie was born, but sometimes it seems like yesterday.
There are no words to express how much I am going to miss Donnie. He was like my other son and Taylor and I will always hold him close in our hearts. He was always smiling and happy and I loved the way he could always get my stoic and serious son going. Susie, you are a dear friend and please know that I am always here for you if you need me. Love to you and the whole family.
Dear Family,
We just wanted you to know how sorry we are for your loss and too know that God will comfort you with his arms during this most difficult time in your lives.
Donnie’s smile and presence at school and the YMCA will be greatly missed for Sam and Graham. They both feel blessed to have known Donnie! His smile and kindness will forever be talked about.
What great parents you must have been!
Our prayers are with you.
Susie, Ed and family, It is hard for us to come up with words that will help comfort you at this time but know that we do understand what you are going through. Donnie was such a wonderful young man, alway friendly and helpful and he always had a smile on his face. Let us know if there is anything that we can do for you.
Ed and Pat Baswell
Arden
To Ed and family,
My heart goes out to you during this time.You all are in my prayers and thoughts.
Janelle Henson
With love and support we offer our deepest sympathys to you…..may God bless and keep you close in this time of sorrow.
I know Donnie will be right there with us as we walk along the stage at graduation, TC Roberson class of 2013, Donnie was a great classmate and friend, He would make everyone laugh. That’s what everyone at TC will miss about him, along with many of his talents on and off the field. I will keep your family in prayers.
DEAR SUSIE ,I AM PRAYING FOR COMFORT AND HEALING FOR YOUR BROKEN HEART ,A PAIN ONLY GOD CAN HEAL. WE HAVE THE JOY OF KNOWING WE WILL SEE OUR LOVED ONES AGAIN IN HEAVEN . IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO FOR YOU ,PLEASE LET US KNOW.LOVE DEBBIE
Sending heartfelt sympathy to you during this time of grief. God Bless you all.
Our hearts go out to the family, Donnie was such an amazing young man. We will always remember how his smile would light up a room. We will miss him very much!
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed…
…We feel lucky to have seen it.
Eternal rest grant unto Donnie Crotty O Lord,
and may perpetual light shine upon him. We Love you!
You looked at Peace last night and I pray for you to look over you mom and family! Susie, Ed, Don Sam, Aunt Jean and Uncle Jim, Connie, and Chuck, I pray you feel Jesus’s strength, courage,love and peace. I pray He will Carry you thru. All of our love, Theresa, John Johnny, Shane, Paul and Joel Hafycz.
Please convey my condolences to other members of your family
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed…
…We feel lucky to have seen it.
Eternal rest grant unto Donnie Crotty O Lord,
and may perpetual light shine upon him. We Love you!
You looked at Peace last night and I pray for you to look over you mom and family! Susie,Ed,Don Sam, Aunt Jean, Uncle Jim, Connie, and Chuck, I pray you feel Jesus’s strength, courage, love and peace. I pray He will Carry you thru. All of our love, Theresa, John, Johnny, Shane, Paul and Joel Hafycz.
Please convey my condolences to other members of your family
Susie, God blessed you and us with a wonderful gift in your precious son, Donnie. He made an impact in all the lives he touched with his love of life, love of others and his love of Our Lord. You are also a wonderful gift who helped foster Donnie’s love and helped him grow his gifts.
Please know that we Love you and will do
all we can to help you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, David and Traci Meyer
I taught Donnie in the 2nd grade at West Buncombe Elementary. He was such a sweetheart. I will always remember his big smile and precious hugs to me and his fellow classmates. Please know that my husband and I will be praying for you all at this most difficult time. I can’t imagine your pain. I am trusting the Lord to carry you each step of the way.
Love,
Mrs. Donna (Ross) Dupree
Dear Susie and Family:
Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences and sympathy. Donnie was a very special and loving young man. He was always smiling and cutting up at with his friends and the staff at T.C. needless to say TC will never be the same without his wonderful smiling face. It always made my day to see such a wonderful smile on his face. He is an exceptional young man and now an exceptional angel gracing God’s throne. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. With much love. The Taylor Family
We are sending our heartfelt condolences to you during this time of grief and sadness. Our son Ben knew Donnie and has been very upset by Donnie’s death. Last evening, we had been talking about the blessings Donnie had brought to all he knew and we had gone outside to walk our dog.
We turned the corner and were greeted with a complete rainbow on the top of our mountain. We knew it was a sign of Donnie’s place in Heaven!
We send our prayers to lift and share the burden with you.
Susie,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I have heard wonderful stories of Donnie. When I first heard of the incident, I immediately started praying for you. Truly, I understand what you are feeling and will be feeling. My oldest son, Cameron Underwood, was a TC Roberson graduate and athlete, including football. He passed away 9/2/2007 due to complications of a brain tumor. Please know of the numerous prayers that have been said for you and will continue. I know that we have never met; however, if you EVER need someone to talk with or you just need a listening ear, you are welcome to contact me at anytime. Coach Beatty knows how to contact me. We are so blessed to have such a loving and supportive community who truly cares.
Donnie always will be remembered and even though he will be missed tremendously, we know God has His Arms around him.
Again, my heart and prayers goes out to you and family.
Sincerely,
Angela Chiles-Underwood
Mother of Cameron J Underwood, #5
Our family sends it’s deepest condolences to yours. Our hearts and prayers will stand in the gap for you.
Mike and Cheryl
My sweet Donnie,
I have written to you so often thru all of this….I was so hopeful that we were going to get through this, but alas, God wanted you back. I take comfort that perhaps your job on earth was done. That somehow your purpose was to touch lives of those you knew and didn’t know. I believe that you helped so many find their way to Christ. That in itself is a miricle. I miss you so much and will continue to keep your memory and your sweet voice and laughter a memory in my heart every day. I miss you Donnie, my heart runneth over.
Oh my sweet,sweet Susie,I am so sorry about your son,but you are so right that God needed him more. Please know that you are in my prayers daily, and with the help of God you will find peace in your heart to make it through this. I only found out about this last night from Tina, but wanted you to know that I was thinking about you. You will always be one of my girls and if I can do anything let me know. LOVE YOU, BRENDA(LONG)WILLIAMS TINA’S MOM