The Honorable Willie Washington, Jr., 82, of Welaka, peacefully entered the sunset of life on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Putnam Community Medical Center, Palatka. A native of Crescent City and a longtime, (fifty-eight years) resident of Welaka, he was the son of Willie Washington, Sr. and Frances Amos Washington, born on Friday, January 27, 1939.  He was raised in Crescent City and educated in the Putnam County School System at Central Academy High School.  He was united in marriage to the former Evelyn Robinson on Wednesday, June 25, 1958 and they became the loving parents of five children.  Willie surrendered his life to Jesus Christ at an early age and was a loyal member and faithful Steward of St. James A.M.E. Church of Welaka.  In 1959, Willie was employed as a maintenance man for the Public County School District for 15 years.  Willie's victorious voyage of public service commenced during Welaka's 1968 election and his racial barrier breakthrough conquest was realized when he became the first African-American citizen elected to serve a two-year term on the Town Council.  Although duly elected, he was not sworn in at the Town Hall due to segregation laws prohibiting black citizens from entering the municipal facility.  He served non-consecutively on Welaka's Town Council since the 1960's and was currently serving.  In 1972, Willie became the first African-American Deputy Constable in the history of Putnam County. His area of responsibility included patrolling from Dunn's Creek to the South end of the county and he served faithfully until Constables' positions were abolished by amendment to the Florida Constitution in 1974.  Subsequently, after serving as a councilman for six years he devoted his time to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office in 1974 under the supervision of Sheriff E.W. "Walt" Pellicer.  During his tenure as a deputy sheriff, attaining the rank of Corporal, he retired the first time in 1995. Nevertheless, his public service did not end after retiring; he became Welaka's second African-American Chief of Police, retiring in 2000.  Thereafter, he launched his second tour of duty with the Sheriff's Office, employed in the Civil Department, serving civil processes which included domestic violence injunctions. After 39 years in 2012, he concluded his years of public service with law enforcement.  He was a member of the National Association of Chiefs of Police and the Florida Police Chief's Association.  He was a past member of the New Moon Lodge #32, F. & A.M., Blue Lodge, Knight Templars, Royal Arch, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, 32 ^nd degree Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.   Willie's hobbies included fishing, spending quality time with his family and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.  His motto was, "The greatest blessing comes to the one who freely gives and expects nothing in return."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his loving wife of 59 years, Evelyn Washington (who preceded him on March 13, 2018); sisters, Marie Washington, Jeannette Washington and Susie Gammon; brothers, Wesley Washington, Isaiah Washington, Elijah Washington and Lawrence Washington.

He was the cherished father of one son , Kenny (Pamela) Washington, Welaka; 4 daughters , Kathy (Glenn) Washington Dames, Welaka; Carol (James) Sumpter, Jacksonville; Cynthia Washington, Welaka;  Karen (Eddie) Dorse, Palm Coast; loving brother of 4 sisters , Rose Wilson, Hallie Everett, Patricia Bolden, and Frances Walker; 1 brother , Larry (Georgia) Washington; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother-in-law of Reginald Johnson, Alfred (Elizabeth) Johnson; godfather of Ralph Brown; and an uncle to a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives, PCSO colleagues, Welaka Town Council colleagues and countless friends.