Sunset: February 9, 2021
Willie James Washington, doting father and inspiration to all who knew him, recently passed away at the age of 79. Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Washington moved to Tacoma as a baby and spent the greater part of his life in the Tacoma/Seattle area.
Washington attended Central Elementary School, McCarver Jr. High and Stadium High School in Tacoma, WA where he excelled in Varsity Football, Basketball and Track. After attending Olympic Junior College, Washington served in the Army for several years before returning to Seattle to begin his career at Boeing.
Washington was a legendary track coach for Rainer Beach Community Center throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s mentoring and teaching countless kids life lessons through sport and sending numerous participants to national track meets throughout the country. He was also a renowned singer and traveled all over Washington state singing with various bands including the Titans, The Fantasias, the Stingrays, and the Wailers.
Washington is preceded in death by his parents, Isadore and Paza Washington, and his brothers Isadore and Karl Washington. He is survived by his four sons, William, Kenneth (Pamela), Walter (Ida) and Daniel (Analeissia) Washington; seven grandchildren, Aniya, Daniel, Dylan, Zoey, Kenneth, Selma and Silas; siblings, Delmatine Ray, Herman (Pamela) Washington and Beverly (Charles) Irvin and former wife Juanita Galloway. His life is also celebrated by a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Viewing was held on Mon., Feb. 22 at Personal Alternative Funeral Services in Kent, WA. A closed memorial was held at New Beginnings in Kent, WA on Tues., Feb. 23.
