William Terrell “W.T” Outlaw, age 87, of Warren, AR, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 3, 2018. He was born in the community of Sumpter, Arkansas to the late William Preston and Oma Esther Savage Outlaw on February 10, 1931. He was a proud graduate of Vick High School. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1951 and served actively for two years, earned the rank of sergeant, and spent most of his time in the service in Georgia and Pennsylvania. He then served in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged on October 1, 1956. He and his sweetheart Bonnie Hooper Outlaw were married on April 7, 1953 at Warren First Assembly of God by the Reverend Basil Edwards.
He was a lifelong churchgoer who always kept Christ as the center of his life and family. He served as Sunday School Superintendent at Forrest Park Assembly of God in Pine Bluff. He also served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at Warren First Assembly of God and was a Sunday School teacher and the Sunday morning song leader there. At 87, he still enjoyed visiting people in the nursing home on Tuesdays with other members of his church.
He was a salesman his whole life, working at J.T. Ederington’s store and Hargis Brothers’ in Warren, and Jones John Deere Tractor and selling insurance in Pine Bluff. After returning to Warren, he worked for Desha Tire as the manager of Warren Tire for many years before opening Down Town Furniture & Appliance. He also owned Dirty T’s Car Wash and Outlaw Auto Sales. In the summers, he loved to peddle tomatoes, watermelons, and produce. For many years, he sold Bradley Pink Tomatoes on the court square during the Pink Tomato Festival.
He lived most of his life in Warren and the surrounding area and was active in community leadership and politics for many years. He served on the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce of which he was elected president and served on the Board of Directors. He served as the chairman of the 14th Bradley County Tomato Festival in 1970. His friend, Arkansas Governor Joe Purcell, commissioned him an Arkansas Traveler in 1979. He was a member of the Warren School District School Board from 1970 until 1985 and served as Vice President and President during his tenure. He was a member of the Lions Club International and also served as president. He was appointed Bradley Country Citizen of the Year in 1983. He was also a Warren City Council member and a member of the Bradley County Planning Commission.
Though he accumulated many accolades throughout his life, he considered being Big Daddy to his four grandchildren and great grandchildren the greatest achievement of his life. He was loved deeply and leaves a lasting Christian legacy with his family and hosts of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: David Onley Outlaw and Colyan Cason Outlaw who died in childhood, and one sister: Mary Etta Outlaw Chandler.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his four children: Cynthia Outlaw of Camden, Felecia Bennett and husband Bobby of Warren, Terrell Outlaw and wife Theresa of Monticello, and Tim Outlaw and wife Linda of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his four grandchildren: Kerri Bennett of Jonesboro, Trey Outlaw of Bearden, Brittany Bennett of Warren, and Kyle Outlaw and wife Taylor of Oxford, Mississippi; two great grandchildren: Caleb Bentley Rice and Preston Creed Bennett of Warren; and his three siblings: R.P. and wife Shirley of Warren, Holyan and wife Ann of Crossett, and Oma Jane and husband Van of Pine Bluff.
Funeral service was 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 6, at First Assembly of God Church with Rev. Jim Bales officiating. Music was by Cynthia Lynn Outlaw and David Wiggins. Burial was in Oakland Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Active pallbearers were Roger George, Brian Martin, John Lipton, Ranny Cook, Roger Chandler, Gregg Reep, and Nick Callaway. Honorary pallbearers were Danny Cook, Michael Outlaw, Bill Jones, Dale Wolfe, Buddy Smith, and James Wright. Memorials preferred to First Assembly of God Church, 1219 North Myrtle, Warren, AR, 71671. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com
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