William Thurman Washington lovingly known as "Bop" and affectionately called "Meme"- gained his heavenly rest on December 3, 2025 at the age of 77,peacefully in his home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was born on January 23, 1948, in the District of Columbia to Julia Christmas and Willie Kendricks of Washington, D.C.  Bop's life was marked by a magnetic spirit that drew people in wherever he went. He was unforgettable warm, generous, and always willing to lend a hand to any one in need.  Helping others was not something he did occasionally; it was the very essence of who he was. He never met a stranger, and anyone who crossed his path felt seen, supported, and uplifted.  A man who appreciated beauty in all forms, Bop enjoyed the arts, paintings, pottery, and all things crafted with intention and meaning. He loved things with significance, things that told a story, things he could make beautiful again. Throughout his life, whether working in janitorial services for Forsyth County Schools, detailing cars or restoring treasured items, he brought excellence, pride, and artistry to every task. Wherever Bop worked, beauty followed.

Though born in Washington, D.C., Bop spent the majority of his life in Raleigh, North Carolina, before making Winston-Salem his home for the last twenty-plus years. It was there that he built community, served faithfully, and lived a life that touched countless people. He served as a Deacon at Whole Man Ministries, offering compassion, strength, and an unwavering willingness to serve.

Bop leaves behind his loving children: Tonia Richburg Hinton(Scott Hinton),of Raleigh, North Carolina and the late Antonio McLean (deceased) Seneca Washington of Raleigh North Carolina, Julius Washington (Alicia Doughty),of Raleigh North Carolina, Nodia Washington of Clayton, North Carolina, William Washington, Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina; his brother Milton Washington of Rockingham, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Juliet Baldwin, Dwight Washington and Michael Washington.

He also leaves behind siblings Gregory Washington (Jacqueline Washington),of Winston-Salem, Howard Washington of New York City, Tony Washington, of Raleigh, NC Sharon Washington (Timothy Carter), of Raleigh, Pamela Washington (Darrell Carter) of Raleigh, NC John Washington of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Bop cherished his large and loving family, which includes a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended relatives. Among them, two held a special place in his heart: Bishop Barry Washington (Pastor Camilla Washington)and Lashawnda Crenshaw, both of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

To know Bop was to love him. To be loved by him was a blessing. His legacy continues in every life he touched, every smile he inspired, and every beautiful thing he shaped with his hands and his heart. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 12 noon Tuesday December 9, 2025 at Whole Man Ministries, 3916 Old Lexington Road Winston-Salem, NC 27107. The family will receive friends from 11am-12 noon at the church Tuesday. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.