Eugene Justin “Nippy” Washington, Sr., 77, of Findlay, Ohio and formerly of Front Royal, Virginia passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, Ohio.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 11 AM at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 West Main Street with Rev. Brevetta Jordan officiating. Burial will follow at Good Hope Cemetery.
Mr. Washington was born on December 11, 1948 in Front Royal, Virginia to the late James and Catherine Jordan Washington. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Michelle Fuller. Mr. Washington was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and St. Paul Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He was a veteran of the United States Navy.
Survivors include his son, Eugene Washington II; daughter, Enjoli Washington; companion, Gladys Griffin; two brothers, William Washington and James Washington; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
I knew Mr.Washington for many years.We even went on a cruise to the Bahamas together. I worked many jobs with Mr. Washington on his many properties, we grew to be quite good friends.Many fishing trips together, he loved to do that and we always had the best time on the water. Even when the boat wouldn’t start and we were trapped out there all night until the police finally came to our rescue. We had many many fun times together Gene loved living life and sharing his joy of it with others.It was a great pleasure to have him as a friend.He will be dearly miss,but not forgotten. My heart goes out to the family and friends he left behind.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so thankful that I was able to have that one last visit with him. Keeping you all in my prayers.
I met Gene by way of my Cousin, Gladys Griffin/Cake. For the short time I knew Gene, he was a soft spoken man but profound in word and deed. Gene knew the Lord and served with conviction before his illness. I was very grateful for the friendship he had with my cousin, Gladys/Cake. He will truly be missed by many.
Condolences to the Washington family, friends and to my cousin Gladys. May God give each of you comfort, strength, peace and a mind of remembrance for the time ahead.
Rev Jacqueline Anderson
Associate Minister at Mosby Memorial Baptist Church
Mechanicsville Tnpk, Henrico Va
My dear friend, Eugene. You brought so much joy and laughter to our ” Little CIAA” Gang! Through you, I met so any other wonder people. Thanks for supporting my Travel Business. We shall never forget you. Prayers and condolences to the Family
Rest in Peace Gene
Barbara Massey Arnold
Gastonia, NC
Gene and I met in 1970 in a Business Law class at Virginia Union University. He was honorable, straight forward and hard working. He brought so much joy and laughter to others and he would willingly share his knowledge and experiences to those interested. I am devastated! But at the same time, I know God knows best and He does not make mistakes. Rest in eternal heavenly peace my dear friend. Thank you for such an unforgettable friendship. My sincere condolences to EJ, Morgan, Gladys and the rest of your family. “Look to the hills from whence cometh your help. Your help comes from the Lord.”
Veronica J. Bradley
Hampton, Virginia
My most sincere condolences to the family… no words can console you right now, I know, but, take joy and pride in the life he lead, the lives he brought his “light” to, and the memories that you will cherish forever! God Bless!
Brother “Nippy” I just wanted to thank you for numerous invigorating, inspiring, and revealing conversations.
To the family, you have my deepest condolences. I’ve known Gene since ’79. We have traveled together and had more than few laughs. We have met some lifelong friends in the process. I will miss you as I choose to hold close all the good memories. We all will remember you.
Thomas (Tom) Binns
I want to send my condolences to his family. There hasn’t been a day that me and Gene spoke, he hadn’t expressed his love for his kids and grandkids. He loved y’all with all his heart.
As most people know, Gene was many things: a devoted servant of God, a loving family man, a mentor, and a true friend. He lived his life with his priorities in order — God first, family always, followed by a passion for traveling, real estate, and financial freedom. But more than anything, Gene was a man who poured wisdom into others.
I met Gene when I was just a teenager, at a time when I didn’t even realize how much guidance I needed. Gene took the time to mentor and give me valuable advice that shaped my life. He taught me things like the importance of taking care of family, trusting God, to supply all my needs, and asking God, to guide my steps. Those weren’t just words to him — they were principles he lived by.
Gene also taught me the importance of saving and investing — something no one had ever taught me before. One of his favorite sayings was, “You should have one thousand dollars for every year you are old.” Behind that simple saying, was a deeper message about discipline, responsibility, and preparation.
He planted a seed in me that stayed with me even when I joined the military, and that same seed eventually helped guide me into building my own business and becoming my own man. Gene may not have walked every step with me, but his advice walked with me the entire way.
Above all, Gene loved God…. His faith guided his life, his family, and the countless people he mentored. He didn’t just speak about faith — he lived it, consistently.
Though our hearts are heavy today, I am thankful. Thankful for his adivce, his wisdom, mentorship, and most of all his friendship. I know that his legacy will live on through his family and in everyone’s lives he touched.
Gene’s life should remind us that true wealth is not just measured in money, but in faith, family, love, and the lives we uplift along the way.
Rest in peace, my friend. Your lessons will live on, and your legacy will never be forgotten.