Today we celebrate the life of Donald Carroll Fields who was born on January 30th, 1974 and departed this life on June 14, 2016. Carroll’s biological mother, who was 28 when she gave him up for adoption, had two requests to make on behalf of her son: First, she wanted him placed in a Christian home, and second, she wanted him to receive a good education. Norene was also 28 when she and Don received this gift of a child. March 4th, 1974 changed their lives forever. Carroll perfectly completed the family that Norene and Don had hoped and prayed for. Throughout his life, Carroll opened the eyes and hearts of those he loved. With compassion and a genuinely kind spirit, Carroll brought great joy to the lives of many.
When Carroll was 13, his parents gave him an art book for Christmas. It was this book that transformed his life and gave him direction. He quickly developed creative interests. He loved interior design and working with colors and all that was related to every component of design. When Carroll was 14, he wanted to learn floral design, so his grandmother called Jim Busic of Azure florist, at the time, and asked him if he would be willing to allow Carroll to learn from him. The first question Mr. Busic asked Carroll was if he was familiar with the color wheel, to which Carroll answered that, yes, he knew the color wheel! From an early age, Carroll was designing floral arrangements because of his knowledge of the color wheel.
Growing up, Carroll was never interested in sports; he did, however, have a passion for music. In junior high he was active in the school band, which not only fostered a growing love for music, but it also provided the foundational skills that he needed to be successful. He then joined the marching band in high school and in college. Carroll was determined and dedicated to his musical talents. He was a small, young man; however, he insisted on playing the baritone, a rather large and heavy instrument. During college, Carroll was fortunate to have studied under SMS band director, Jerry Hoover. While attending SMS, he proudly marched in the Rose Parade and the Gator Parade. He loved the discipline that was required of him as a band member.
Carroll was also an avid reader. He was always immersed in studying and learning, especially about interior design. He graduated Cum Laude from SMS in May of 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Housing and Interior Design, and with a minor in Art. On May 27th 2000, Carroll received his Masters of Fine Arts in Housing and Interior Design from Savannah School of Art and Design. He was a member of the Historical Preservation Society and in 1995 and 1998 was selected for the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Carroll also had the opportunity to travel to Europe while in college. With his passion for art and music, he was captivated by the architecture and the cathedrals, as well as the great art museums.
Carroll was admired and respected by many. His love for people was grand, which made it easy for his friends to effortlessly reciprocate his kindness. Even from a young age, Carroll’s friends were quick to lend a hand, and support him whenever he needed it. His co-workers at Restoration Hardware in Tulsa continued that tradition. They took him to and from work, and even to the grocery store. During his last month on earth, the support from Carroll’s work family and friends didn’t waver. Their love and support for Carroll was shown by looking after and providing for his parents during such a difficult time.
We lost Carroll at a young age. In Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 verses 1-8 we learn:
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace.
Carroll had a strong belief in God. He was involved in the Passion play at church. He had a sensitive spirit towards everyone he encountered and felt very strongly about treating each other with kindness and compassion. A deep void is left in the hearts of his parents, family, and friends. However, he would want us to live life to the fullest and to treasure our journey here on earth.
On a humorous note, we have to recognize that Carroll did not want to learn to drive. Well, now he has no need of wheels. We have to believe that Carroll fulfilled his purpose here on earth. He loved life, and his life was a life well lived.
As the heavenly choir sings Holy, Holy, Holy, let’s join them today, in celebrating Carroll’s life.