Harry Franklin Sutcliffe

Harry Franklin Sutcliffe passed away peacefully on September 22, 2023, at his home in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Harry was born November 28, 1927. He was lucky enough to spend his childhood in Gary, Indiana, where multicultural communities were common and where work was considered an honor and a privilege.

Three pivotal moments provided structure and meaning to Harry’s aimlessness. First, his mother gave him a pencil and paper on the kitchen floor and told him to write a story. Harry continued to write for the rest of his life, and in 2022, published his memoir, entitled “Spiderlegs.” Second, a neighbor shouted at him in a thick accent, “Why you not vork?” The man gave Harry a shovel and paid him a nickel for his efforts. Harry found purpose. The third, happened when he was kicked out of yet another school. He got a job on an ore boat and made the mistake of grinning his first morning on deck. The bosun held him over the side of the boat and bellowed, “Do you vant to vork or svim?!” Harry stammered, “Work, Sir… But first I have to change my britches!” Harry lost his smart mouth and audacious behavior right then.

Ironically, one of Harry’s favorite jobs was teaching school at Eureka Springs and Saint Paul high schools. He loved the ornery kids. He already knew every trick in the book.

Harry moved to Eureka Springs with his family in the 1940s. At 17, Harry enlisted as a swimmer in the Navy during WWII. Later, he re-enlisted as an Army Rifleman and was awarded two Purple Hearts during the Korean War. He continued his service to fellow veterans as a Past Post Commander for American Legion Post No.9, demonstrating his lifelong commitment and enduring love for veterans. His war experiences remained vividly on his mind until his last days. Harry deeply loved the Ozark Mountains and his Eureka Springs community. He thrived on being among people - laughing, eating, and showing out, especially at his favorite hangout, Myrtie Mae’s. He was a great storyteller and enjoyed the fellowship of the Writer’s Colony of Dairy Hollow. More recently, Harry could often be found in his man cave, contemplating life, blasting classical music, and dancing with his wife in the kitchen.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Tracie, of the home; his brother, Charles A. Sutcliffe, of St. Louis; and children, Priscilla Ann Willis of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Harrison Sutcliffe of Eureka Springs, Ruth Sutcliffe of Atlanta, Georgia, and Kathy Nelson of Springdale, Arkansas. He also had a special bond with his stepsons, Caden Pruitt and Evan Pruitt, of Eureka Springs.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Willis Harrison Sutcliffe and Ruth Marie (Weary) Sutcliffe; son, Patrick Sutcliffe; brother, John N. Sutcliffe; and his first wife, Nancy T. Sutcliffe; as well as his second wife, Clara Mae Sutcliffe.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. in the Convention Center at the Inn of the Ozarks.

Funeral service will be held Friday, October 13, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. in the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Eureka Springs Carnegie Library or St. James Episcopal Church in Eureka Springs. Arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneralhome. com.