On the morning of Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, Henry Herbert “Taz” Washington Jr., 69, peacefully slipped into eternal rest and made his transition from his earthly home to his heavenly home.
He was affectionately known to all as “Taz” was born Jan. 7, 1950, in Hampton, son of the late Henry H. Washington Sr. and Beulah L. Jones Washington. He was also preceded in death by a younger brother, Ernest Rufus Washington.
Taz was a lifelong resident of Lackey. He joined Rising Sun Baptist Church at an early age. He had a passion for God and his family. Taz was educated in the public schools of York County. In his elementary years, he attended James Weldon Johnson School and graduated from York High School in 1969. He furthered his education at Norfolk State College.
Shortly after college, Taz proudly served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army. He did a tour in Germany and was assigned to the 91st B Infantry. After completing his overseas tour, Taz was then assigned to MEDIC Company Headquarters at Fort Eustis and was honorably discharged after serving in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1983.
After the military, Taz began his civilian career at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in the Helper Training Program for Shop 38 Machinist. This was a three-year program, after which he worked as a Marine machinist. Taz then furthered his career at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, as a medical linen control service specialist until his retirement after 15 years of untiring service.
Taz was a fun-loving person who loved to dance and enjoyed being around family, his extended family and close friends. He loved sports and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Taz leaves to cherish his precious memories his daughter, Monica Davis; grandchildren, Taquan Davis, Antwanette Newton, Javonte Davis, Romelo Waites and Romir Waites; first cousin, Robert Shields (Jacqueline) and family; the entire Washington family; the Hunt family and many caring neighborhood friends.
A funeral service celebrating the life he lived will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8, at Rising Sun Baptist Church with the Rev. David O. Spratley officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the Masonic Burial Grounds. Family and friends will assemble at the church by 12:30 p.m. Friday. Mr. Washington may be viewed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to services at the church.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
