Bennie James Washington was born on November 18, 1979 to Queen Celeste Washington, in Savannah, GA. On October 14, 2004, B.J., as he is fondly called, was injured, when a rocket propelled grenade struck the Hummer he was driving in Ramadi, Iraq. On January 4, 2005, B.J., died of those injuries. At an early age B.J. was baptized at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church where he served in the choir and on the Usher Board. In October 2000, B.J. joined the U.S. Army, serving courageously. Before his attack B.J. was stationed with the 44th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division out of Camp Howze, Korea. On January 4, 2005, before his death, B.J. was awarded the Purple Heart. B.J. was a willing servant of the U.S. Army who unselfishly defended his Country and it's Constitution. B.J. leaves to celebrate his life, his daughter, Acacia Washington; a son, Benjamin Washington; mother, Queen Celeste Washington; sister, Latisha M. Washington; broth er, Kenneth C. Sanders, III; niece, Kennedy Celeste Washington; maternal grandmother, Helen M. Braxton; paternal grandmother, Mavis Sanders; uncles, Adrian Braxton, Jr, Bennie James Braxton of Savannah, Carl Braxton of Atlanta, GA, and Marion Braxton of Savannah, GA; aunts, Rose Braxton, Alice M. Pride and Leggett Braxton and a host of cousins and friends. Funeral service for Sgt. Bennie Washington will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 15, 2005 at First African Baptist Church, 23 Montgomery St., with The Rev. Thurmond N. Tillman, Pastor. Rev. Chester Ellis, officiating. Interment: Magnolia Memorial Gardens with full Military Honors. Williams and Williams Funeral Home 1012 E. Gwinnett Street Savannah, GA. 31401 (912) 234-1634