Donald James Washington

He is preceded in death by his parents Sue Holman-Audi (Baltimore, MD) and Roscoe James Washington (Upper Marlboro, MD), grandmother Jessie Wilkerson, uncle Rodney Wilkerson, and Aunt Rose Wilkerson-Carder.

Donald was born in Greenville, Mississippi on June 9, 1953. He spent his early years in Mississippi before moving to Maryland. Donald was up a huge sports fan and he got to attend many home games of his Baltimore teams— the Orioles, Colts, and Bullets. He was a life-long dedicated fan of Baltimore sports teams. Donald was a star athlete in every sport that he played. He very competitive. Growing up, he won many trophies at scores of Karate tournaments and eventually earned a brown belt. He went on to play multiple varsity sports at Baltimore City College and Morgan State University while majoring in US History.

Donald left Baltimore and pursued a distinguished military career. He traveled the world, living in Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Panama. After he retired from active military service, he went on to work another 20 years as a civilian Safety Specialist at MacDill Air Force Base.

He was an expert in his field and earned several hundred medals, awards, certifications, letters of commendations, badges, and special recognitions during his military career for his selfless and outstanding service.

Donald’s loyalty, kindness, good nature and ability to make people laugh made him a joy to be around. Sports were a favorite way for him to connect with people. He loved attending games of his favorite sports teams, tailgate parties, and watching sports with family and friends. He was a grill master, and, in his hospitality, he created a festive atmosphere for enjoying big games days.

His surviving loved ones include sons Michael Washington, Marc Washington, Myles Washington and Mason Washington, grandsons James Washington, Harvey Washington, Princeton Washington, Jaxsun Washington, and Cornelius Washington, sister Robin Washington-Jones, brother-cousin Kenneth Lun, aunts Jean and Alberta, uncle Irving, and first cousins Ron, Kim, Tina, Christy and Sylvia Ellen.

The family would like to express their thanks to Ruby Ivory for providing Donald with years of love and companionship, particularly during the final years of his illness.

A private Celebration of Life for family and close friends will be held November 4th, 2023.