Ernest G. Washington

coach Washington was a good coach for the basketball team for he instilled mental toughness in all his players as well as a mentor for the guys on his teams. he is resting now in the hands of God

A Tribute to Coach Ernest G. Washington By Frank H. Lee, Tuskegee Institute High School Class of 1975

Coach Washington's celebration of life service will be Friday at 10 a.m., Tuskegee University Chapel on the campus of Tuskegee University.

The passing of Coach Ernest G. Washington marks the loss of one of Alabama's most accomplished high school coaches, educators, and mentors. His influence reached far beyond the basketball court, touching generations of students, athletes, educators, and families throughout Tuskegee, Macon County, and the State of Alabama.

For many years, Coach Washington served as Head Basketball Coach at Tuskegee Institute High School, where he helped build the Baby Tigers into one of Alabama's premier basketball programs. Between 1966 and 1991, he contributed to more than 534 career victories, including Tuskegee Institute High School's historic 1985 Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A State Championship and the 1991 Class 5A State Championship. Following the 1991 championship season, he was part of a coaching staff that earned Coach of the Year honors.

A proud graduate of Alabama State University, Coach Washington was a letterman on the Hornets football team. In his early years, he served as an Assistant Football Coach at Tuskegee Institute High and became a pioneer in golf by becoming the first African American to win the Calhoun County Golf Tournament in 1972. In 1974, he established and coached Alabama's first all-Black high school golf team.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Coach Washington served as an Assistant Principal and Principal at Tuskegee Institute High School and Notasulga High School in Macon County, further demonstrating his commitment to educational leadership and student development.

His commitment to education continued through his service as an elected member of the Macon County Board of Education, where he worked to improve educational opportunities for students across the county.

Coach Washington's remarkable career earned him induction into the Alabama High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and the Calhoun County Hall of Fame. He was also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated, faithfully living its principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship, and Service.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of knowing Coach Washington not only as one of Alabama's legendary coaches but also as a mentor and friend. As a student at Tuskegee Institute High School, I served as scorekeeper for the Baby Tigers basketball team under Coach Washington. Later, as a sports reporter and radio announcer, I covered many of his games and witnessed firsthand the discipline, preparation, and leadership that made his teams among the finest in Alabama.

Coach Washington also shared years of friendship with my late father-in-law, Alphonso Walker Young Jr. Both attended graduate school together at Alabama State University and later coached against one another with mutual respect that exemplified the highest standards of sportsmanship.

One of my fondest memories was learning of the history of when Greene County Training School traveled to Tuskegee for a midday game against the Baby Tigers. That game became part of Alabama sports history when the remarkable talent of future SEC pioneer Henry Harris of Boligee, Alabama came to the attention of college recruiters, opening doors for generations of African American student-athletes to integrate athletics on The Plains at nearby Auburn University and the South East Conference, SEC

Coach Ernest G. Washington's greatest victories were never measured solely by championships. They were measured by the lives he shaped, the character he instilled, and the hope he inspired. His legacy will forever remain a treasured part of the history of Tuskegee Institute High School, Alabama State University, Macon County, and the State of Alabama.

To his beloved wife, daughter, and the entire Washington family, I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers. Alabama has lost a legendary coach, but his example of excellence, integrity, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.

With a heavy heart, I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to the loving family of Coach Ernest G. Washington. To his devoted wife, beloved daughter, extended family, cherished friends, former students, colleagues, and the entire Tuskegee Institute High School family, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of profound loss.

Coach Washington's life was a testament to service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the young people he mentored. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and the field, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence, discipline, integrity, and compassion. He inspired countless students to believe in themselves, strive for greatness, and never give up on their dreams.

Although his physical presence will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the memories he created will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May God surround his wife, daughter, family, friends, students, and everyone who loved him with His perfect peace, strength, and comfort in the days ahead. As Scripture reminds us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Coach Ernest G. Washington's legacy will never be forgotten. His impact will continue to echo through generations, and his memory will forever remain a blessing.

Rest peacefully, Coach Washington. Well done, good and faithful servant.

May his memory continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.🪽🪽🪽Thanks Coach for making us better Men and Women!!

#TIHS #classof1990

Condolences to Coach's family. He was my coach and teacher. Fond memories will always remain. Former basketball player and student. Cartez "Big Tez" Bryant

Blessings

Emily and family, Blessings and sympathy. God blessad keep you.

Our condolences to the family of Coach Ernest Washington. May God bless and keep you. Harold and Diane White

To the Washington family, thanks for sharing "Coach" Washington with us. He was a man of great integrity, principles, education and shared it with us in his counseling, teaching, athletic skills, love for TIHS, in his love for God, his community and his family. I am praying God's peace and strength. Embrace the memories as we continue to always remember him in our hearts. .Catherine Glaze Stakely

We share our deepest condolences with the family. He was our coach: great pride great tradition we can we must we will.

Coach Washington was a mentor who influenced so many young men, especially me. I am grateful for all the lessons of life and basketball. Blessings to all the family as well as everyone who knew him.

My name is Zack Harris, I had the privilege of calling this great man Coach, the lessons we learned on the court transcends in life's journey, my heartfelt condolences to Coach, his family and friends, Rest easy Coach, you will never be forgotten

Coach Washington and I attended Alabama State University and graduated and became colleagues at Tuskegee Institute High School. He became Head Basketball Coach. Earnest, Emily and Nicole built a home directly across from our home. Coach Washington was always poised for perfection. He built many boys and developed men. Our son Randall had the opportunity to play for him. Blessings upon his family. Charlie & Lillie C. Hardy Family

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