Mr. James Leon "BB" Washington, 71, was born on August 8, 1946 to Mr. George and Mrs. Pearl Washington-Davis in Bethania, NC and he departed this life unexpectedly January 15, 2018 at Forsyth Medical Center. He was a longtime resident of Winston-Salem who attended and graduated from Carver High School. After graduating from Carver in 1964, he was employed at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, where he worked for over 30 years before retiring.  He was a faithful member of Bethania AME Zion Church where he served on many boards such as: The Steward Board, Men's Booster Club, Gospel Choir, First Aid and Missionary Board. He was a faithful person of the community; he was a member of the Mason Salem Lodge 139, Captain of the Southeastern Rescue Squad, and a member of the Winston-Salem SORT team. He is well known for playing Santa Claus and delivering Christmas trees through Operation Christmas Tree during the holidays.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 43 years Annie Washington; and son, Carlton Binns.

He is survived by his 5 children Pearl Washington-Rice, and Kenya (Lewis) Brown of Winston-Salem, Yvette and Denise Binns of Arizona and Larry (Marcia) Binns of Newport News, VA; 3 sisters-in-law, Jeanette Russell of Los Angeles, Naomi (Leroy) Logan of Lady Smith, VA, and Willlena Alsbrooks of Winston-Salem; a brother-in-law, Howard Lee "Dickie" (Rosetta) Bell of Newport News, VA; a devoted "son" and friend Wesley (Chantel) Johnson; 17 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and devoted friends.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Monday, January 22, 2018 at Bethania AME Zion Church with Rev. Dr. Karen Roberts Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Bethania AME Zion Church Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 12:00noon until 1:00pm on Monday at the Church.