Robert F. Washington, Sr.

Fannie and Essie "Gant" Washington welcomed their 7th son and last child, Robert Frank Washington, Sr., into the world, in Utica, Hinds County, Mississippi on October 20, 1939.

Mother Fannie died when "R.F." was a toddler, leaving the nurturing and upbringing of him and his brother Andy to Fannie's mother while Dad "Gant" sharecropped. "R.F. 's" other brothers Iona, Essie, Willie T., J.W. (the four who proceeded him in death) and Jesse were raised by other relatives of their father. 

"R.F." was educated in the Utica School system. He was smart, fun-loving, and he liked sports. He was a fast runner so his brothers nicknamed him "Rabbit"; and at family gatherings, family members would affectionately call him "Rabbit" or "Uncle Rabbit"! He was a hard worker and he graduated from Utica Institute in 1958.

Now Robert met Jesus in his early years. He learned to respect his elders, he learned about leadership, and he was a good and faithful servant in Sunday School at the Rohelia Baptist Church.

After high school, Robert continued working hard and got a job bussing tables. Subsequently, he left his job and migrated to Chicago with one of his cousins. He moved to Maywood, Illinois and began working at Bacall's Hardware Store until he moved on to the American Can Company for nine years. When the company closed, he began working for the Village of Maywood as a janitor and a water meter reader; and then he later moved on and began working for AT&T as a truck driver. While working, Robert completed two years at Crane Jr. College. 

Robert joined Rock of Ages Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Thomas H. Wade, Sr., in 1959 where he served as an assistant Sunday School Superintendent. Robert became an ordained deacon on August 30, 1964. He was later appointed to serve as the church treasurer where he served for over 40 years. When Pastor Wade went on to glory, he continued to serve under the leadership of Pastor Marvin E. Wiley. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert F. Washington, Sr., please visit our floral store.