Holyan Outlaw

Holyan Clayton Outlaw, Sr of Sumpter, Arkansas left this world on Thursday, March 21st. He was born on November 17th, 1935 on his parents’ farm to William Preston and Oma Esther Outlaw. We have no doubt they were waiting on their beloved boy with open arms. After all he was their only child who was so well behaved, he never received a spanking - a story that he was quick to tell you his entire life!

What a journey his life was. He started out life as the only surviving twin with his brother Colyan Cason passing away at birth. He battled polio as a child, and he taught himself to talk and walk again. After graduating Valedictorian of the Vick High School 1954 class, he joined the National Guard. He served for 16 years.

He met his bride, Barbara Ann, at a church function where he was serving as an usher. His mother-in-law, Bessie Mae, said God told her in that moment that Holyan would be Ann’s husband. They married on his 22nd birthday, November 17th, 1957, and they welcomed daughter, Barbara Renee, the following October. Their son, Holyan Clayton Jr “Clay”, followed in December 1960.

After living in Bradley County his entire life, he followed his wife to her hometown, and they lived in Crossett from 1959 until moving back to his home place in Sumpter in 2003. While in Crossett, he built a valued and lasting career with Ideal True Value and Ideal Construction. He bid and managed many construction projects around the area including the very hospital from which he departed, Ashley County Medical Center.  Often traveling with him to those various job sites were his wife and his granddaughter, Whitney, who he always affectionately called “the boss.” Oh, the adventures those 3 had traveling the roads around south Arkansas, eating lunch at every fried fish place they could find, stopping at parks, and picking wildflowers on the side of the road.

Holyan’s faith was very important to him. Living a Godly life was something he always strived to do. He faithfully served as a Deacon at Beulahland Assembly of God from 1960 until his death. His Bibles throughout the years have been well loved and studied, and his daily prayers over his family still continue to cover us. We will miss him, but we will always smile when we remember his love.

He was proceeded in death by his mother Esther Outlaw (Savage), his father, Preston Outlaw, his brothers, David Olinie, Colyan Cason, and W.T. Outlaw, and his sister Marietta Chandler. He was also proceeded by his loving in-laws M.L. and Bessie Mae Maxwell.

Holyan is survived by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Ann Outlaw, his son, Clay Outlaw; grandson, Shane Lee; and his girls - daughter, Renee Oden, granddaughter Whitney Lawrence (Justin), and his great granddaughters, Chanley Grace, Caysen Jewel, and Callyn Faith Lawrence. He is also survived by his brother, RP Outlaw, his sister, Oma Jane Hargis, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who loved him dearly.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24th, at Beulah Land Assembly of God Church, 1401 Hancock Rd, Crossett, AR, with Pastors Steve McMellon and Ricky Tyler, officiating, followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home of Crossett.

Pallbearers are Carlton Maxwell, Keith Maxwell, Patric Outlaw, Mike Webb, Doug Webb, and Charlie Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Outlaw, Roger Chandler, Sammy Oden, Jeremy Maxwell, TJ Maxwell, Greg Donald, and Ronnie McDonald.

Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Saturday at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett.

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