April 16, 1928 – March 31, 2023
Our dearly beloved, Gracious Outlaw, was called to his heavenly home on Friday, March 31, 2023. As we cherish the fond memories, we will continue to honor his life and legacy of faith, love, and family. Gracious accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and continued this relationship until his death. Early in life, Gracious suffered from seizures that may have contributed to his disabilities. However, he showed us that a life of grace could be had despite our disabilities.
Gracious was born on April 16, 1928, in Wrightsville, Georgia. He was the second youngest of 8 children of the late Martin and Mattie Belle Outlaw. As a young boy, Gracious labored very hard in the fields, picking cotton with his family. The family was forced to leave Georgia because of a targeted, racist attack on them by the Ku Klux Klan and relocated to Philadelphia, PA.
Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Gracious attended school. In 1963, when his brothers, Willis (Bib), Bufus, and Melvin, opened the Outlaw Brothers Exxon service station in South Philadelphia, Gracious worked there for 31 years until it closed in 1994. Gracious moved in with his sister, Willie Mae, and her daughter, Joyce, after the death of his mother. Throughout his time in Philadelphia, Gracious was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he was a Deacon. He would spend his days attending church, watching TV, and riding his bicycle.
When Gracious’ sister and niece passed away, he went to live at Sterling Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Media, PA. Gracious thoroughly enjoyed living at Sterling, connecting with staff and fellow residents. He would participate in group activities, such as crafting, playing games, watching TV, attending church, and just sitting out on the porch, enjoying the weather and the scenery.
The staff at Sterling loved Gracious and his charming personality. They took excellent care of him and ensured he could faithfully attend church. The team would often tell the family how wonderful Gracious was and how easy he was to care for. In fact, some of his caretakers would say Gracious was the perfect name for him!
Gracious leaves to mourn his memory, one brother, Melvin (Gloria), and many nieces and nephews, too numerous to list. Our brother, uncle, cousin, and friend will be sorely missed. However, he will live forever in the hearts of those left behind.
Family hour will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at Rigby, Harting, & Hagan Funeral Home, 15 E 4th Street, Media PA 19063. Grave side service will be 11:00 a.m. April 14, 2023 at Historic Eden Cemetery, 1434 Springfield Rd, Darby, PA, 19023.
The family request that any donations in Gracious’ memory be made to Sterling Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, 318 South Orange Street, Media, Pa, 19063.
Arrangements: Rigby, Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
www.haganfuneralhome.com