By Special to the Daily World
Thomas J. Washington II was funeralized Monday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Warren Memorial United Methodist Church. Washington, 96, was remembered for his love for his wife and family.
A prominent member of his church and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, his funeral was well attended. He was eulogized by former pastor of Warren, the Rev. Richard Winn Sr. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. member Mona Humphries Bailey gave reflections of Washington’s life and praised him for his community service, love of his wife and son, and his college years at Morehouse. He was also remembered for his long work at the U.S. Postal Service for 37 years. Washington also worked after college as a Special Representative Supervisor at Atlanta Life Insurance Company. He resigned from Atlanta Life to work at the Post Office.
The Rev. Donald K. Reed Sr., pastor of Warren, officiated, along with singing by Dr. James C. Story, who rendered a solo, “How Great Thou Art,” and a celebration of song by Eddie Adams, who sang “My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me.” They were joined in celebration by church organist, David Stills, who did a musical number for both the Kappa Alpha Psi and the Morehouse College hymns. Stills also performed the recessional hymn, “I’ll Fly Away.”
The Rev. Donald Doughtry gave prayer, and scripture readings were given by Rev. Jonas Ferguson and the Rev. Joseph Williams. Arrangements were completed at burial in the family plot at Calhoun Family Cemetery in Griffin, Georgia, with Carl M. Williams Funeral Directors Inc. in charge. Active pallbearers included: Mack Calhoun, John Goodlett, Larry Browning, Lewis Manly, James Hudson, Charles Washington, and Latimer Blount, all relatives and friends.
The deceased was born on Aug. 9, 1914, in Columbus, Ga., to the late Thomas Washington Sr. and Alma Frye. He was one of four children. The family moved to Beaufort, S.C., shortly after his birth and then moved to Pensacola, Fla. He is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School and Morehouse College, where he majored in business administration. At Morehouse he pledged the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and joined the Gladiators Club, the Interfraternal Council, and was circulation manager of the Maroon Tiger newspaper. He was also secretary of the “M” Book Club, and a lifetime member of the Morehouse Alumni Club.
He married Nettie Calhoun of Griffin in June, 1942 and they had one son, Thomas J. Washington III. Nettie was very devoted to her husband, and they both lived together until his death in Northwest Atlanta. Washington was an active member of Warren until his health declined. He was a member of the Trustee Board, Finance Committee, Administrative Board and the Methodist Men.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Nettie C. Washington; one son, Dr. Thomas Washington III (Laura) of Griffin; granddaughters, Candice and Courtney Washington; three nephews, Henry Thomas, Paul Pearson, and Glenn Pearson; other relatives and friends, as well as dedicated caregivers.
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