William Lee Washington

William Lee Washington passed peacefully in Sterling, Virginia, on November 6, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

William (known as Bubby or Bill by family and friends) was born on November 17, 1936, at Loudoun County Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia to William Wright Washington and Mildred Painter Washington. He was raised on his family’s farm in Lovettsville, where he learned early the values that would guide his life — hard work, humility, and love of family.

Bubby was the second of six children, following his sister Mary and coming before George, Clara, Catherine, and Jean. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother George, and his sister Mary, and is survived by his sisters, Clara, Catherine (Jerry), and Jean (John).

As a boy, Bubby milked cows, sheared sheep, tended the fields and successfully avoided coiled up Copperheads in tree stumps. He took great pride in his work and once won a shotgun for the garden plot he entered into a Future Farmers of America contest. At the request of his teachers, be brought the prized shotgun to school for his classmates to see.

He then graduated in 1955 as part of the first graduating class from the newly built Loudoun County High School.

In 1956, Bubby joined the United States Air Force. He worked in munitions, helping to dispose of leftover wartime materials. While stationed in France, he saved his money—not for drinking or smoking like many of his fellow airmen—but to buy a car, a German Opel, and travel across Europe, soaking in the experience of a lifetime. He trained in Texas and served four years in France with honor before returning home.

Not long after, he met and married Patricia Whynona Brawner in 1963. Together, they raised three children — William (Bill) Edward Washington, Susan Washington Engley, and Brian Patrick Washington, then were blessed with two daughters-in-law, Crystal and Kellie. His family remained the pride and joy of his life.

Bubby worked as a distributor for The Washington Post for 25 years, where his dedication, reliability and sales acumen earned him the coveted Distributor of the Year Award. He was deeply respected for his honesty and strong work ethic.  

His successes at his work also contributed to numerous global travel opportunities on awards trips for top performers and their spouses. However, the one year a family trip was offered, he had the choice of a Mediterranean cruise with his wife - or a week in Hilton Head, SC with his family. He happily chose Hilton Head with the family, and it is one of our most fondly remembered family vacations.

He was a lifelong Washington Redskins fan, and Sundays were for football, family, and plenty of laughter. Known for his sense of humor and easygoing spirit, he brought joy to everyone around him. His seven grandchildren — Connor, Ethan, Mary, Parker, Patrick, Junie, and Hannah — were his greatest delight. He loved taking them on little “excursions” to McDonald’s, turning something simple into a special adventure every time.

Bubby was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. He lived with kindness, worked hard, and never lost his ability to find joy in the everyday moments that make life full. His warmth, laughter, and steady presence will be missed more than words can say, but his love will live on in the family he so deeply cherished.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12 from 6-8 PM at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg.

A Funeral Service will take place at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church on Thursday, November 13 at 10 AM, with burial to immediately follow at Lovettsville Union Cemetery.