Edgar Napoleon Hairston, aka "Pete", was born November 10, 1936 to Sylvester and Sadie Hairston, the sixth of nine siblings. He departed this life on February 7, 2015 at the age of 78.

Mr. Hairston was educated in the WS/Forsyth County School System and later joined the US Navy in 1954. He also served in the US Army having served in the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. After sustaining major injuries in the conflicts, he retired in 1982 from the military with an honorable discharge.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister.

He is survived by one daughter, Anita Hairston and granddaughter, DeShanna Hairston both of the city; two great-grandchildren, DeShaun McDonald and Zavion Fisher; one great-great-grandson, Shaun McDonald; two brothers, Melvin (Peggy) Hairston and Eugene (Ernestine) Hairston both of the city; devoted nephews, Walter (Charlene) Mack and Ricky (Jimmie) Hairston; two nieces, Mary Jones and Joyce Mack all of the city; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Thursday, February 12, 2015 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Bishop Todd Fulton officiating. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11am on Thursday at the Chapel.