Herbert Yancey Washington

HENDERSON-Herbert Yancey Washington, beloved husband, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, son-in-law and friend passed away peacefully at Duke University Medical Center with family at his side on Monday, November 8, 2021. He was born in Danville, Virginia on September 3, 1950 to the late Coral and Sherrill Washington. He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-eight years, Gail McLaughlin Washington of Henderson, North Carolina; brother Royster Washington and wife Isabel of Oxford, North Carolina; mother-in-law Dorothy McLaughlin of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; brother-in-law Neely McLaughlin and wife Lauren of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; nephew Yancey Washington and wife Mary Kathryn of Oxford, North Carolina; niece Fairley Mahlum and husband David of Raleigh, North Carolina; niece Dr. Brittany Tully and husband Matthew of Charlotte, North Carolina; nephew Drew McLaughlin and wife Caitlin of Charlotte, North Carolina; nephew Dr. Chris McLaughlin and wife Katherine of Winston Salem, North Carolina; niece Dr. Kerry McLaughlin of Charlotte, North Carolina; nine great nieces and nephews, and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Coral and Sherrill Washington of Oxford, North Carolina and his father-in-law, Milton McLaughlin, Sr. of Cleveland, North Carolina. Herbert graduated from Vance Granville Community College with an Associate of Arts degree and went on to complete a B.S. degree in Business from North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He also earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Campbell University while working as a Commercial Loan Officer for Centura Bank in Rocky Mount, Nashville, and Norlina, North Carolina. After several years, Herbert became Service Managers for Al Rushton and Charles Boyd automobile dealerships. Completion of his MBA brought Herbert to Vance Granville Community College to work in the Student Services Department as an Academic Advisor. Here, he enjoyed service to others and helping young people make sound educational and career choices. Never far from a body of water, Herbert was an avid fisherman and boater. For many years, he and friends enjoyed competing in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in eastern North Carolina; always chasing the prized fish, but never disappointed when only prized memories were brought to the dock. Later in retirement, he enjoyed learning to cast, paint, and tie fishing lures for friends. He enjoyed many interests, but his favorites were reading, dabbling in the stock market, music, collecting Asian artifacts and carpets, and traveling. Trips with family to the North and South Carolina coasts and Lake Tillery were extra special to him. Traveling the Mississippi Blues Trail with his wife and mother-in-law was one highlight of his retirement. Above any accomplishments, Herbert was most proud of his relationships with his family and friends. An easy smile and an attentive ear were always available whenever in his company. He especially enjoyed sharing laughs and stories over a burger and a beer with several neighborhood pets in attendance. Always an animal lover, he contributed to many animal welfare organizations and encouraged others to do the same. A visitation will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 in the evening at J.M. White Funeral Home in Henderson, North Carolina. A celebration of life service will be conducted by the Reverend Vincent Kopp at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, North Carolina on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at 2:00 in the afternoon with a private family committal to follow. In order to comply with St. Stephen’s Episcopal’s COVID protocols, masks are required and family units are encouraged to sit together, leaving space where possible. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Vance Granville Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund, c/o Eddie Ferguson, PO Box 917, Henderson, North Carolina, 27536 Vance Charter School Foundation, 2090 Ross Mill Road, Henderson, North Carolina, 27537; or Ruin Creek Animal Protection Society, 165 US Hwy. 158 By-Pass, Henderson, North Carolina 27537.