Charles Benjamin Washington, Jr.

Charles Benjamin Washington took his first breath in his maternal grandfather’s village (Peter Bennet) at 63 Lee Street in Charleston, South Carolina on December 21, 1927. His mother, Lottie Bennett Washington was from Oakley, South Carolina. His father, Charles Benjamin Washington Sr, was from Sandy Island, South Carolina. Charles Jr. was one of seven children born to Charles and Lottie. He was happy to grow up, not just with his siblings, but uncles, aunts, cousins and other family members. He was adventurous, patient, respectful, quit, observant, and soft spoken with a deep voice, kind and generous with a big heart. He learned the values of hard work at a young age.

In 1945, at barley eighteen years old, his adventurous nature would lead him to join the USN and “See the World”, and see the world he did. He was awarded the USN Gold Service Metal, USN Occupation (European) Metal, World War II Victory Metal, Vietnam Service Metal and the National Defense Metal. In addition, he was awarded five campaign stars, various lapel pins and ribbons. He traveled throughout Asia and Europe as well as the United States.

Charles met his wife, Lilly Bland Williams in New Orleans, Louisiana while stationed in Algiers, Louisiana. They were married in Portsmouth, Virginia in 1951 where their first daughter, Lorelli was born. Charles and his family settled down in his beloved city of Charleston, South Carolina, where their second daughter, Gretchen was born. His military career would take him too many duty stations and sea ports before Petty Officer, Second Class, Washington retired in 1968. Perhaps his most meaningful military honor was the USAF retirement flag that was presented to him, May of 2018, by his granddaughter, Master Sergeant, Avis Washington- Smith, at a ceremony that Charles was unable to attend. Certainly his last award.

Charles took his last breath on September 27, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Charles joins both of his parents, his wife, Lilly, brother, Leroy, sisters, Lottie, Verdell, and Ruth in heaven.

He leaves behind his older sister, Lillian W. Jones, sister/cousin, Viola “Clara” Bennett Point, and baby brother, Alvin Thomas Washington. All are still residing in Charleston, South Carolina. He also leaves behind Onethia Washington Elliot, who is one hundred four years young, of Sandy Island, South Carolina.

He also leaves behind oldest daughter Lorelli, grandchildren, Charles, Nigel, and Kenyatta (Chiquita), great grandchildren, Terrance, Jazlyn, Nathaniel Charles, Kacee, and Talia #2, great great grandchildren, Adelene, Amelia, and Jorge, who reside in Texas, daughter Gretchen and granddaughter, Talia #1 who reside in North Las Vegas, Nevada, grandson, Ronnie Polk of California, granddaughter, Avis (Will), great grandsons, Javon, Avian, and Donovan of Warner Robins, Georgia.

Left to cherish his memory are his Godchildren, Charlesetta (Sophie) Murray of Charleston, South Carolina, Wallace Davenport of Summerville, South Carolina, and Joseph Johnson and mom Christina of Baltimore, Maryland, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close family and friends.

Thank you to Mountain View Hospital MICU2, Deborah Adell, Nurse Practitioner from the VA Rancho PCC, Dan Worlund Pharmacy from the VA Rancho PCC and a special thank you to Andrea Dempsy MD, there from the beginning of our medical journey. Last but not least, an additional special thanks to Dara Carno and the Palm Northwest Mortuary staff. You made the final journey easier with you kindness and patience.