Rufus Washington, Jr.
A closed-casket memorial service will be held for Rufus Washington, Jr., at 2 pm, Monday, October 7, 2024, at King’s Funeral Home, in Ruston. Visitation will be held at 12-2 p.m., closed-casket, prior to the service.
Rufus passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024, at Jena Nursing Home, in Jena, Louisiana, shortly after his 69th birthday.
Rufus was born September 9, 1955, to Reverend Rufus Washington, Sr. and Adell Meeks Washington. He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mount Zion Baptist Church, in Grambling. He later served as an Usher and in the Brotherhood.
Rufus attended Liberty Hill Elementary School, in Simsboro, and Grambling Elementary Laboratory School (now Lincoln Preparatory School), in Grambling.
Graduating high school with honors from Subiaco Academy, in Subiaco, Arkansas, he was Student Council President and a star basketball player. He played the drums, was a member of the National Honor Society, Outstanding Teenagers of America, and the Society of Outstanding American High School Students.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Grambling State University, in Grambling. Later, Rufus pursued further graduate study in Counseling at Louisiana Tech University, in Ruston. He received a Professional Diploma in Pharmacy Technology from Ashworth University, in Norcross, Georgia.
Rufus was a Technician I at Grambling State University; a Researcher at Wave Technology, in Loma Linda, California; a Cashier and Courtesy Clerk at Walmart Supercenter, in Ruston; a Social Service Counselor at Health Paradigm Hospital, Ruston; and a Volunteer Addictions Counselor at Second Beginnings Peer Support Center, Ruston Behavioral Health Center.
He served as a secondgeneration advocate and member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organizations. Rufus fondly enjoyed completing home Biblical Studies, reading an assortment of books and magazines, listening to music, and viewing television, especially movies, news, and Christian broadcasting.
Rufus leaves to cherish his memories, warm smile, and kind and loving ways, his devoted sister, Jerrilene Washington, Ruston Daily Leader newspaper columnist; and brother, Henry Lee Washington; aunts, Berdell Bouldin, Catherine Meeks, Lena Meeks (Levi) Coleman, and Irene Meeks; and a host of cousins and friends.
Following the service, Rufus will be laid to rest at Grambling Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI Ruston, Post Office Box 1585, Ruston, LA 71273.
Rufus’ love will truly be missed by all who loved him.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — II Timothy 4:7
