Alvin "Fritz" Washington

Alvin “Fritz” Washington was a man who stood erect in the world. He was proud, hard working and kind.

Born on Monday, January 25, 1937 in Travis County, Texas, Alvin entered this life. He was the seventh child of eight children

born to Lela Reese Washington and Junius Elroy Washington. His parents and six siblings Elmo, Junius Jr., William, Ollie,

Samuel, and Alice, preceded him in death.

After attending San Antonio Public Schools, he found work in San Antonio.

As young men tend to do, he was smitten by a beautiful woman named Sandra Lee Brown who would become his wife; and

they set out to create a life together and raise a family.

He was a devoted man of faith, family, music, and service whose life touched countless hearts.  Alvin cherished his loved

ones deeply and found happiness in being a source of love, wisdom, and encouragement to them.He was an affectionate and

devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Throughout his life, Alvin worked hard to provide for his family. He held maintenance positions with Santa Rosa Hospital,

Trinity University, Frank Brothers, Joseph’s Men’s Clothing store, and The Willows Nursing Home. He was always respected

for his hard work and dedication.

If music be the food of love –– play on.

Music lived in Alvin’s spirit. He was truly a “one-of-a-kind” harmonica player. He was rarely seen without his two

harmonicas, which he carried everywhere he went. His favorite song to play was the “Special Key of G,” a sound that would

move his soul and put joy in his feet. His love for music and songwriting was his way of expressing love and spreading the

Word of God.

In his younger years, Alvin played and recorded music and made an album titled “Gospel Instruments.” His music was

played on local radio stations which lead to requests from many local churches and organizations.

Alvin generously shared his musical gifts with others by playing at his church and for residents at The Willows Nursing

Home. His music brought smiles to their faces—comfort and happiness to their hearts.

Some Glad Morning When This Life is Over –– I’ll fly away

Early Friday morning and long before sunrise May 8, the angels came…and our beloved Alvin flew away. He will be

remembered for his kindness, unwavering faith, loving spirit, joyful music, and the light he brought into the lives of so many.

His legacy of love, encouragement, and praise will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Alvin is also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Brown Washington, and son,Verbal Jordanton.  He will be dearly

missed by his sister –Leola (NeNe) Wilkins; his children: Marilyn Lowe, Deanna Swisher (Gayland), Dean Washington,

Lorraine Green, Alaina Pineda, and Princella Griffie (Robert).

He was affectionately called “Paw-Paw” by his grand and great-grandchildren, who will miss his music, wise counsel, and

tender care. They include: Tiffany Cristo, Gayzele McCrary, Quentin Lowe, Terrell Lowe, Candice Washington, Destiny

Pineda, Gayland Swisher II, Charles Pineda Jr., Ricky Green, Junius Pineda, Josiah Griffie, and Langston Griffie.

His great-grandchildren include: Lyla Pineda, Maxwell Cristo, Gavin Cristo, Zara Cristo, Madison McCrary, Jason McCrary,

Karter Hutt, Terrilyn Lowe, Eden Lowe, and Royalty Swisher. Numerous other relatives and beloved friends will miss his

generosity and tender spirit.