Van Washington was born on January 29, 1944, in Putney, Georgia.  He was the son of the late Mercedes and Pink Washington, Sr.

He received his formal education in the Dougherty County School System. Throughout his school years, he was actively involved in numerous organizations, activities, and sporting events.  At a young age, he accepted Christ  as his Lord and Savior.

Van was an extremely conscientious individual who gave his best at whatever he did.  He firmly believed in working hard for what you want and always being willing to do the right thing.  For numerous years, he was employed at Lykes Brothers where  he worked tirelessly until the plant closed.  He later joined the ranks of employees in Plant Operations at Albany State University in Plant Operations.  He was a loyal, dedicated employee who stayed the course to ensure that no task was left undone.  Van retired after rendering more than 30 years of service.

Often described as a selfless man with a gigantic heart, Van had a special way of getting to know people and becoming a part of their lives.  He was down-to-earth, humble, and a source of encouragement to everyone he met.  To his family he was "Bruh";  his friends called him "Hammer";  and to strangers meeting him for the first time, he was a ray of sunshine that brightened their day.  The strong bonds of friendship that he developed throughout his life will forever be cherished and remembered.

On November 13, 2020, Van quietly transitioned to eternal peace and rest.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his personal angel, Saquanya Lewis-Baker; his son, Darrian Quimbley; grandson, Zeric Morton; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Rowe and Abraham Brown.

Loving memories will forever remain in the hearts of his children, Hasty King (Shedrick), Tamika James-Sayler (Booker), Rickey Lewis, Moses Lewis (Chantel), Vincent Tumblin, and Shawn Smith all of Albany, GA, Angelia Austin (Bernard) and Lawanda Sharpe of Atlanta, GA, and Jackie Danfer of Jacksonville, FL; son-in-law, Delando Baker; siblings, Rosa Rowe, James Washington (Lelia Moses), Burt Washington (Lillie), and Clifford Washington (Tina) all of Albany, GA, and Mary W. Brown of Jacksonville, FL; several grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.