Arthur Michael Washington Sr. made the transition to his next experience in living on March 20, 2017. “Mike” (or “Big Mike”), as he was affectionately known, was a passionate defender of those who were in need of counsel, whether in matters of law, or in matters of life. Along with Emory Clark, he was a partner in the law firm Clark and Washington, P.C. in Atlanta. Although formally retiring in 2015, Mike continued to work part-time in fulfilling his calling of helping people in need.
He began his life’s journey on January 25,1947 in St. Louis. He was the first child of seven born to the late Arthur L. and Rita L. Washington. He was baptized and raised in the Roman Catholic faith, attending parochial schools. Mike was an ever-present and strong big brother to his younger siblings. He had a rich social life, was an excellent student and star football quarterback.
He arrived Atlanta in 1964 to attend Morehouse College and chose math as a major. He loved Atlanta and his introduction to the Civil Rights Movement and the enlightenment he gained from the philosophies and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. He was a serious jazz lover; his favorite musicians were John Coltrane and Pharaoh Sanders, among others. Following in the steps of his father, Arthur L. Washington, he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in St Louis before arriving at Morehouse, where he was an active member of Alpha Rho Chapter. He later participated in the graduate chapter of Alpha, Eta Lambda Chapter.
He earned his law degree at Atlanta Law School in 1974 and joined the Atlanta Bar Association. He was a founding partner of Lawson and Washington, Attorneys at Law with longtime friend George Lawson. Later, Charles Thornton joined the firm and they became Lawson, Washington and Thornton, P.C. He eventually left this firm to join Clark and Smith, P.C., which later made him a name partner, creating Clark and Washington when Hoke Smith left the firm. The firm named his daughter, Celia, a senior partner in 2016.
While at Morehouse, Mike met Barbara Lynn Buckley, a student at Spelman College, and they married in 1970.Their marriage of 24 years produced three beautiful children: Lynn, Celia and Mike Jr. As co-parents, Barbara and Mike maintained their loving guidance for their children together and shared great memories and friendship until the end.
Mike found joy in cross-country road trips with his family and family reunions, and he relished every opportunity to spend time with his parents, siblings and friends. He was also an avid tennis player, with the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association team as co-captain. He also became an avid runner, participating in numerous Peachtree Road Races.
In later years, Mike was beset by numerous health challenges that presented him with very painful and debilitating experiences. He often said he was eternally grateful to his second wife, Julie Brown, who lovingly cared for him and was his strongest advocate throughout his numerous ailments while they were married.
He is survived by his loving children: Lynn Michele Washington, Celia Roxanne Cherry (Chris), and Arthur Michael Washington, Jr., and also Telique Morris, siblings, Rita Washington, Robert Washington, Susan Washington, Richard Washington (Clementine), Ronald Washington (Sheri), sister in-law, Pamela Washington (Rodney, Sr.), nieces, Nicole Sweets (Mary Jane), Ashley Washington, and Erin Washington, nephews Eric Washington and Rodney Washington, Jr. and a countless host of aunts; uncles, cousins and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by parents Arthur L. (2001) and Rita L. Washington (2003) and brother Rodney D. Washington, Sr. (2004).
