George Washington

George Riley Washington, 89, of Ochlocknee, GA, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025. George was born in Thomasville on June 5, 1936, to Elizabeth “Bessie” McCray and Earl Walden Washington. He was raised at the corner of West Jackson and Bartow Streets, now the site of O’Neal’s Country Buffet, and he reminisced on his childhood in Thomasville during frequent lunches there. The family later lived on Colton Avenue and Park Avenue. Many of his early years were spent working at his family’s business, Washington Grocery & Market. George attended Eastside School and was a member of the Thomasville High School Class of 1955. Following his graduation, George served in the Georgia National Guard. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was first stationed at Naval Station Norfolk. George served as an Airedale on the flight deck of the USS Forrestal (CV-59), the Navy’s first supercarrier. He was on the carrier’s maiden voyage and told many stories about his time serving his country around the world. He later served as a Plane Captain at Naval Air Station Pensacola. George and Wilma Frances Davis were married at Dawson Street Methodist Church on May 18, 1968, following his return from the service. They were happily married for 57 years. George was an electrician by trade and wired many houses throughout Thomas County. He was always ready with a joke for any occasion, and he loved to make others laugh. George and Wilma grew a wide variety of fruits and vegetables around their home and shared them with countless friends and neighbors. Most recently, his flock of chickens was the primary focus of his backyard farming. George kept an active lifestyle, participating in races throughout the Southeast. None was more important than the Rose City Run, an event he participated in or volunteered at for more than four decades. When age began to limit his running ability, George didn’t miss a beat and took up road bicycling as his passion. He participated in organized bike rides across Georgia and Florida and enjoyed frequent rides with some of his closest friends throughout the region. At each bike ride out of town, Wilma supported the group along the way. The annual Bike Ride Across Georgia (BRAG) event was one of their most cherished traditions. George and his bicycle covered countless miles throughout the region. His last organized ride, at the age of 89, was the Nut Roll in Albany this past September. George was a longtime member of Dawson Street Methodist Church and the Peacemaker’s Sunday School Class. He was a proud supporter of Thomas County Central Yellow Jacket Football and enjoyed attending games with his children for many years. George was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Earl Lewis Washington; and two sisters, Elsie LaVinka and Emily Jordan. He is survived by his wife, Wilma; daughter, Virginia “Jeanie” Sons (John); son, Michael Washington; grandchildren, Madison Washington and Carson Washington; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Dawson Street Methodist Church with burial in Laurel Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Allen & Allen Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Stacey Thomas, David Washington, John Sons, Ken Stringer, Louis Carter, and Sam Carter. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. James Story, Jr., Jerry Reagan, and Joe Barron. Charles "Buddy" Whatley will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Dawson Street Methodist Church.