Tom Christmas "Tommy" Washington

1947 - 2024

In the early morning of Sunday, September 15th, 2024, Tom "Tommy" Washington Jr., 77 years old passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family after a long illness. Tommy was born in Lee County to Tom Washington Sr. and Alice C. Duke. Tommy would consider himself a life-long resident of Granville County. He worked faithfully for John Umstead Hospital in the Outdoor Maintenance Department for 30 years. Even after retirement, Tommy stayed busy with his own plumbing business. He was always there to help friends, family, and the residents of Granville County with not just plumbing services but giving a helping hand to those in need. Tommy was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. The outdoors was his happy place, and his love of the outdoors was known by all that knew him. He could not wait for hunting season to come into full effect. Not only was he passionate about his hobbies, but he passed down those passions to his children and grandchildren. He loved his family and friends with all that he had in this life.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Wilma Hopkins Washington. They had two children, Tabitha Washington DeFries (Shannon) of Butner, and Tom C. Washington III (Chris) (Paula) of Franklinton. He has four grandchildren Ashton and Taylor (TC) Defries, Shelbie Washington, Robbie Raplee, and one great grandchild, Addison Raplee. He has one sister, Brenda Lawler (Kevin) of Creedmoor and very special niece and nephew, Hannah Lawler Janney (Kenneth), nephew, Josh Lawler and two great nephews, Easton and Wyatt Janney. He has a brother, Bradley "Sam" Duke (Debra) and nephew Bradley Duke (Lindsey) with great nephew Coleman and great niece Ellison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Christmas Washington Sr. and Alice Duke, Stepdad, Elvin Duke, and brother, Elvin Duke Jr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 12, 2024, at The Barn at Vino, 3200 Bliss Trail, Stem, NC beginning at 1:00pm. This will be a time for family and friends to gather to remember him, share memories, and funny stories in one of his favorite places, the great outdoors with a barn and pond to be viewed. Please RSVP Tabitha via text at 919-482-5872 by October 8th, 2024, if you are attending and how many people will be in your group. In honor of Tommy and his love of hosting many BBQs, there will be BBQ pork and chicken, yummy sides, and delicious desserts served at the Celebration of Life.