Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS

Obituary For Rev. Dave Washington, Jr.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 7469 Old Canton Road, Madison, MS 39110 with burial in Natchez Trace Cemetery, 759, US 51, Madison, MS 391110.

Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2021 from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 7469 Old Canton Road, Madison, MS 39110 and again Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 KJV

Reverend Dave Washington, Jr. was born, to the late Dave Washington and Susie Brown, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on September 12, 1948. He was the patriarch of his family. He was an uncle, a brother, a father-figure, a mentor and so many things to so many people. His father, a pastor and businessman, died when he was only 2 years old propelling him into a leadership role within his immediate and extended families. He confessed his faith in Christ at an early age as a member of St. Paul Methodist Church, where he was baptized. Dave attended Druid High School in Tuscaloosa. He accepted a football scholarship to attend Alcorn State University, where he graduated with a degree in Chemistry. He later received a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Jackson State University. It was at Alcorn that he met and married his college sweetheart, Dianne Williams Washington, on February 28, 1970.

While at Alcorn, he played on the legendary national championship football team led by Coach Marino Casem and conference championship basketball team led by Coach Bob Hopkins. In 1969, Coach Hopkins led the basketball team to an undefeated 27-0 season. Dave was an active player on both the undefeated football and basketball teams, making him the first athlete in Alcorn’s history and the first in the history of the NCAA to play on two championship teams in the same year.

In basketball, he played the forward position and in football, he played tight-end and defensive end. Dave’s athletic prowess came as a result of the tutelage of Coach Marino Casem who became Dave’s surrogate father, nurturing and raising his work ethic and skill set to a professional level. Dave went on to be drafted by the National Football League (NFL) by the Denver Broncos in the ninth-round of the 1970 NFL draft. His eleven years in the NFL as an outside linebacker produced All-Pro years at Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. He received multiple player of the week awards and game balls at Buffalo and San Francisco. In the pros, Dave was a kicker, linebacker and tight end. For his efforts on and off the field, he was inducted into the Alcorn State University Sports Hall of Fame and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Hall of Fame.

At the age of 25, and while still playing in the NFL, Dave became a real estate developer. He designed and built a middle-class residential subdivision in Port Gibson, MS, which he named Trace Hills. Upon his retirement from the NFL in 1981, he served under the administration of Governor William Winters before taking on the Directorship of the Farish Street YMCA where he developed the city’s largest little league football program. Dave, thereafter, entered the teaching profession where he taught on the junior high, high school and collegiate levels.

He was part of a team that worked on a grant for Jackson Public Schools (JPS) to increase test scores of high school students and to increase STEM minority awareness for which he made numerous presentations around the country. He retired from JPS as a Health-Related Professionals (HRP) Coordinator, Interim Assistant Principal, and teacher of STEM-related courses in Chemistry.

Dave’s business acumen and passion for education, sports, mentoring, and entrepreneurship was a catalyst to many of the worthy endeavors for which he was involved. He was one who truly used his platform to leverage opportunities for others. He conceived and produced youth programs such as the HIS Ranch Youth Summer Program, the 12+2 Men’s Youth Program, the annual Scholarship 3-Point Slam Dunk Contest, the Canton Peace Rally and Golf Classic, and his crowning charitable achievement, “Super Bowl Super Kids Super Sunday”, which was a precursor program to the modern-day NFL Experience. Dave knew the importance of experiences and through this program, he exposed hundreds of youths to professional football players and brought busloads of them to the Super Bowl to take part in the experience. He was instrumental in assisting his wife, Dianne, who directed the relief effort of Noah’s Ark Relief Center (NARC) in Jackson, MS, during the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. The center secured 242,000 (121 Tons) of food and commodities and served and assisted 4,998 people in the process. In his retirement, Dave and Dianne incorporated Dave Washington Ministries, Inc., where together they worked to enhance the physical, economic, and spiritual lives of families, youth and the homeless. Their signature project included giving backpacks full of toiletries, a Bible and other life essentials to the homeless.

Dave was a featured sports columnist for many National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) newspapers. For a number of years, he was a fixture at the Super Bowl as a media correspondent authoring more than 80 published articles. As an avid poet and writer, his unfinished book, “Room 10”, would have been his final chapter. He was a member of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), National Football League Alumni Association (NFL-Alumni), Pro Football Writers Association, and the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice Grant Peer Review Teams.

The Christian values and training Dave received from his single-parent mom, grandmother and sister, and the influence of his father’s legacy, undergirded him his entire life. He was ordained by Rev. Dr. Jerry Young on September 23, 1990, at New Hope Baptist Church. He later became the Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (Port Gibson, MS) and Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church (Vicksburg, MS). Dave’s Ministry as an evangelist and pastor spanned the world as he reached youth, couples, families, prison inmates and all that would listen to his messages of hope from Lorman, MS, to Cape Town, South Africa, and everywhere in between. He received the Bill Glass Champions for Life Prison Ministries 250 Pin for forty-two (42) years of dedicated service through well over 300 speaking events. In his later years, his ministry included his Life Group ministry at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and work in the mission fields of Belize, South America.

While Dave’s accolades and accomplishments were many and varied, those that knew him, knew that his greatest achievement was his family and extended family who brought him immense joy. Dave genuinely enjoyed exposing kids to new places and experiences, mentoring youth, ministering to young couples and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. His favorite scripture was Romans 1:16.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Dave Washington; his loving mother, Susie Brown; and his sister, Florence Crawford. His exceptional life of unyielding faith, devotion to family and the greater good will be cherished by his wife of 51 years, Dianne Williams Washington; his children Dave (Tuesday) Washington, III of Jackson, MS; DarKenya (Sean) Waller of Franklin, TN; and D’Angelo Washington of Sandy Springs, Georgia; his sister, Charla Washington of Tuscaloosa, AL, and his sisters-in-law Rilanda (Willie) Williams McGill, Dr. Carri Williams-Pillers both of Madison, MS and Dorothy Williams Moore of Phoenix, AZ. His words of wisdom and guidance will be remembered by his eleven grandchildren, Deanna (DaShawn) Jones and Dave Washington, IV of Gary, IN, Anthony (Christina) Washington of Anniston, AL, Marissa (Scott) Johnson of Clarksville, TN, Devyn Washington of Anniston, AL, and Ta’Myah Washington of Madison, MS, (Dave); Tyler Waller and Jordyn Waller of Upper Marlboro, MD, Dylan Washington, Sydnie Waller and Shaun Waller of Franklin, TN (DarKenya); and his eight great-grandchildren Khloe, Leah, Dave V, Noah, Nova, Carter, Amari and TaeLynn.

He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and other loving relatives, students, players, friends. Although he may be gone from the body, his love, legacy, and passion for life will forever be with us all.

At leisure please visit his website: www.davewashington.com

Guest Book

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all Clarence Scutter

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My prayers and condolences are extended to the Washington Family. May God comfort you. Mary M Thomas & Family

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Sending Love to you DaKenya and Sean and family. He was a great man. I know this time is difficult, but God has it all in his hands. Keep doing great things because I know that's what he wanted. Trust in the Lord and Lean not to your own understanding. Just trust in the Lord. Love my family. Your cousin Nashanta Williams

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My sincere condolences and prayers are with my cousins Darkenya and Sean and rest of the family during this difficult time. Please be reminded that weeping may endure for a night , but joy comets in the morning. PSALM 30:5 Love you all so much Cousin Errin Jackson Atlanta Georgia

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I remember meeting Dave when I was a young boy when he was living on Port Gibson. I was so excited to meet such a guy of his caliber and being a football fan wow! I was working with my father at King's Shoe Repair and I would repair and shine his boots and he was a great guy who did not mind answering your questions. Could not wait to go to school and tell my friends I had met Dave Washington! He was a great guy and will truly be missed by family and friends! RIP my friend!

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My sincere condolences to the family of Rev. Dave Washington during this very difficult time🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

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Peace and strength to the family. Coach Dave Washington shared knowledge and encouragement with students and staff at Murrah. From Windey Walker JSU Alumnus '82&85 Murrah coworker

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Rest in peace, my former co-worker(Lanier High School). I pray that God will comfort your wife, children and relatives. Helen S. Brinson-Brown

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MAY THE PEACE OF GOD THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MIND IN CHRIST JESUS AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME Soror Patricia Cadney Fields

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Dear Dianne and family, May God's loving presence comfort you, His perfect peace restore you, and His promise of eternal life sustain you during this time of loss. You're in our thoughts and prayers with heartfelt sympathy. Cleon and Gloria McKnight

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Our condolences to the family of my best friend, Dave Washington. When I got sick you called often to keep check on me. That shows how real brotherhood exists on Alcorn State University football team. My love to Dianne and the family. I will forever miss you my buddy. Love you always. Richard "Dick" Sowells and Karen.

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We are tremendously saddened by the news of the passing of our dear friend and brother Dave, Rev. Washington. Our hearts go out to you Diane, the family, Grands and Great-Grands. We will never forget the thoughts, words and certainly not the deeds of our dear friend. We will forever cherish the times we shared, the surprise visits, the games and the phone calls! We have truly been Blessed by Dave, you Diane and your family. Please know that we are here for you. God is With You on this Journey...Our Love and Our Deepest Condolences, Margo, Jim and The Certain-Luniewski-Family

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Our deepest sympathy and strongest of prayers to the family in your time of loss.

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Sending prayers of comfort to the Washington Family, (My Family) Dave Washington was one of the best men I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, he was a friend, a father figure and a mentor. Dave Washington shared words of wisdom with me that left an imprint on my heart that will keep my heart and soul smiling forever. Rev. Dave Washington, Jr. will truly be missed....Cynthia Vaughn

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Mr Washington was a Great man of God and Influential person when he was on this side of Life. My family and I will miss him. Andre Cameron and Family

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Dave was a truly wonderful person. A good friend,an outstanding athlete and individual.He touched so many lives.I will always remember the times we had at Alcorn.He will be truly missed.Allan Simmons class of 1970.

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Dave a Man Of God! He was one of a kind. He always encouraged me as a friend! There was no one like Pastor Dave no one! While playing for the Buffalo Bills we would watch to see if he would get water doing water break during practice , and HE NEVER DID (smile) Pastor Dave, you could count on him to be the same each time he was in our presence! He will truly be missed by all that know him! JD Hill, Buffalo Bills Team Mate #40

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My deepest sympathy to Dianne and family on the loss of your husband Dave. I know that it may be difficult, but you have so many wonderful memories to think of and share. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Soror Alfreda Bradley Gibson, Vicksburg, MS

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My deepest sympathy to Dianne and family on the loss of your husband Dave. I know that it may be difficult, but you have so many wonderful memories to think of and share. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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Dianne, we extend our sincere condolences to you and the family during this most difficult season. Remember, God will wipe away all tears from your eyes. We are praying for you and the family. Remember the journey! Much Love, Bruce and Nita Burks Stewart

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Diane, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Remember, God loves you, and we love you as well! Melvin and Jessie Arnold

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My condolences to the Washington family on the loss of my Druid High School classmate. Rest in peace, Dave. Trudier Harris, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

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Dave was one of the best to ever walk on this earth! Diane, I hope you and your entire family continue to find comfort in remembering the wonderful and loving times you spent with Dave. The man and his legacy has left you all a trail bright with hope that invites us to follow... Your Soror, Carolyn Whitney Alexander, Houston

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May God Bless each of you during these trying times! Melba J. McNairy Nashville, TN

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Darkenya I extend to you and your family my deepest sympathy in the loss of your dynamic father. I now realize why you are such a great person, because of your walk in your father's footprints! Give your mother and other family members my love and compassion.

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I'm soo deeply hurt, that I was talking to Mr. Dave's son, & thought it was Mr. Dave. Mr. Dave was a role model, father figure, friend, and most importantly, a child of God. He was the reason for me getting to work with the NFL, in New York. I will forever be blessed, to know that God allowed Mr. Dave into my life. I've never met anyone like him, and just wanna say that I love him, and will always keep him in my heart. I wish nothing but blessings to the entire Washington family, and pray that God gives everyone the strength to be strong.

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I extend prayers and God's comfort to the Washington family, who I have known many years. Rev. Washington was always a warm spirit and father figure to all. He will be greatly missed.

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My comfort is extended to the Washington Family during this time. I am extremely honored to have known Rev. Washington and to be a friend of his daughter DarKenya. I love all of you and I pray your strength. Long live the spirit and legacy of Rev. Washington. Sincerely, Ilicia Goodman

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My comfort is extended to the Washington Family during this time. I am extremely honored to have known Rev. Washington and to be a friend of his daughter DarKenya. I love all of you and I pray your strength. Long live the spirit and legacy of Rev. Washington.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. | MS