Dr. Dr. Charles W. Washington

Dr. Charles W. Washington

December 25, 1942 – July 9, 2025

The Reverend Dr. Charles W. Washington, 82, of Pensacola, Florida, transitioned to eternal life on July 9, 2025, with his wife of 59 years, Mary, lovingly at his side. Born in Colquitt, Georgia, on Christmas Day in 1942, Charles's life was a testament to faith, education, perseverance, and service.

Charles was raised in Haines City, Florida, and graduated valedictorian of Oakland High School. With a lifelong commitment to learning, he earned degrees from Florida Atlantic University and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. His academic and professional journey included roles as a professor, department chair, and academic dean at prestigious institutions including The George Washington University, Mississippi State University, Florida Atlantic University, and Clark Atlanta University. He was a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration and a Hall of Fame inductee at Florida Atlantic.

Beyond academia, Charles was a devoted servant-leader in the church. He answered the call to ministry at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia, and he continued his service at Friendship Baptist Church in Atlanta and First Baptist Church of Pensacola. At First Baptist, he sang in the choir, taught Bible study, and served the unhoused through Samaritan Hands.

Charles was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and he was cherished for his humility, wisdom, and dedication to helping others.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary Elizabeth Harrison Washington; his son, Carlton Wade Washington (Trina); grandchildren Mecca, Cannon, and Storm; and a host of siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Charles's life will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 2:00pm at First Baptist Church of Pensacola, 500 N. Palafox St. The family will receive visitors at Joe Morris & Son Funeral Home from 6-7pm on Sunday, July 20. The family invites memorial gifts to be made, in Charles's honor, to Samaritan Hands at First Baptist Church of Pensacola or Northwest Florida Community Outreach.