George Washington was born on August 23, 1949, in Macon, Georgia, to Annabelle Hampton Washington and Raymond Washington, Sr. He graduated from Ballard Hudson High School in 1968, then went on to earn a business degree from Fort Valley State College, which became Fort Valley State University in 1973. While at Fort Valley, he became a member of the Esquire XIII Fraternity Inc., an affiliation he remained actively involved in throughout his life.
George was a lifelong entrepreneur who pursued many business ventures throughout his life. He often said, “Business is my business,” a phrase that perfectly reflected his outgoing, gregarious, and ambitious personality that touched everyone he met. He built a career and a legacy across restaurants, insurance, and sales. As President of UNNEX Inc., he was recognized for his leadership and vision in expanding minority-owned business opportunities in Central Georgia. He later founded the restaurant Chiras (an acronym for “Chicken and Rabbit”) and worked with Uniway, Primerica (then known as A.L. Williams), Fireman’s Fund, and Honeywell Energy Systems as a sales associate.
Throughout his life, he was a proud father to his children he loved dearly. He was first married to Frances Washington, and together they raised two sons, Quinton Washington and Bradford Washington. Later, he and Vickey Jackson welcomed two daughters, Sigourney Washington and Ashley Washington whom he helped raise.
In November 1995, George survived a devastating accident after being pronounced deceased. He regards the day of this miracle as his second birthday, and the moment “Cowboy” was born. In the years that followed, he founded the God Is Love Ministry and Outreach Ministry, a fixture at Smiley’s Flea Market, through which he poured himself into serving others.
George was an ardent supporter of Fort Valley State University and a beloved presence to the youth and community around Fort Valley, who will forever hold him in their hearts.
He is survived by his children, Quinton (Christina) Washington, Bradford Washington, Sigourney Washington, and Ashley Washington; his grandchildren, Quinton Washington, Alexandra Washington, Bradford Washington Jr., and Brooks Washington; his sisters, Mary (Johnny) Jackson and Mildred Washington. He was pre-deceased by his late brother, Raymond Washington Jr. His legacy is also lived on through nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
