William Edgar Washington III

William Edgar Washington III passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at the age of 81. After several months of declining health, William fought the hard fight. Despite the pain, he came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.

William was born in Baltimore, Maryland at John Hopkins Hospital on June 3, 1940, to parents William Edgar Washington Jr. and Marion Anderson. The second oldest of twelve children, William attended the first integrated high school where he consistently made A honor roll and played basketball. He helped his family and worked any odd jobs he could find starting at an early age. His work ethic and desire to take care of his family led to him enlisting in the U. S. Army at age 18. He was stationed in Seattle, Washington, where he met La Verna Jean the love of his life. William always referred to La Verna as the best thing that ever happened to him and was married for over 50 years.  The loving couple had two children William and Crystal.

He fought in the Vietnam War and at the end of the war, William returned to Seattle and gathered his family and was stationed in El Paso, Texas.  The Washington family traveled back and forth between Europe and El Paso as William designed missiles for the U.S. Army.  Finally in 1983, William retired from the army but continued to work for a company called Raytheon. He bought a home and settled his family in Northeast El Paso. On his free time, he enjoyed playing for different bowling leagues, smoking meat in the backyard, and spending time with friends and family.

William was preceded in death by his parents and wife La Verna Jean Washington.  He is survived by children William Edgar Washington IV and Crystal Washington Thomas (married to Mechell Clay Thomas), grandchildren Xavier Alexander Washington, Christian Michael Thomas, and Chandler Michelle Thomas.

Visitation will be from 9:00am to 12:30pm, with a Funeral Service at 11:00am on Friday, May 27, 2022, at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive.  Committal Service to follow at 1:00pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with Full Honors. (West Shelter). All are invited to attend.

Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.  Please visit his online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.