Rev. Dr. McKinley Washington, Jr. 85, of Ravenel, SC, husband of Mrs. Beulah Jefferies Washington, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 24, 2022.

Rev. Washington was born to Mr. McKinley Washington, Sr. and Mrs. Mattie Bell Peterson Washington on August 8, 1936 in Sumter County, South Carolina.

Rev. Washington was a former state lawmaker and Pastor of the Edisto Presbyterian Church USA for 50 years. He served South Carolina House District 116, Charleston County, from 1975-1990, then was elected to the state senator for District 45 and served from 1991-1999. He also served as chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus and as vice chair of the Charleston County Legislative Delegations.

While in office, he served on many committees, always seeking to better living conditions for the underserved. McKinley Washington was elected to the Employment Security Commission and served from 2000-2010 along with serving as chairman a few years during his term. Along with his numerous political affiliations he was the founder of the Edisto Branch of the NAACP and the St. Paul Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Trustee Emeritus of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Rev. Washington’s bass voice, infectious smile and dedication to people will live on through the many, many lives he touched.

One sister, Mrs. Katherine Daniel and two brothers, Mr. James Washington and Mr. Richard Washington preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 59 years, Mrs. Beulah Jefferies Washington; two children-Mr. Michael Washington of Ravenel, SC and Ms. Katrina W. Knight of Atlanta, GA; four grandsons-Jaelen Heyward, Maurice Knight, III, William McKinley Washington Knight and Michael McKinley Washington; one granddaughter, Ms. Cur’tiece Washington and one great-granddaughter, Kehlani Heyward; one sister, Mrs. Virginia Peterkin (Donald); three brothers, Mr. Ezekiel Washington (Prunella), Mr. Benjamin Washington and Mr. Elijah Washington; two brothers-in-Law, Mr. James Jefferies (Parnice) and Rev. A.L. Brackett; four God-Children-Mrs. Letitia Motley (Algernon), Mrs. Courtney Moultrie (Richard), Mr. Freddie Wright and Mrs. Faneisha Alexander (Benjamin); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be held at the North Charleston Performing Arts Center Saturday, July 30th, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Mayesville Black River Cemetery in Mayesville, South Carolina. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the residence in Ravenel. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Edisto Presbyterian Church USA Cemetery Memorial Fund. Fielding Home for Funerals, Charleston, SC
Courtesy of The Gilmore Mortuary