Today we celebrate the well-lived life of our beloved Jerry Lee Hairston, Sr.  He has taken his seat at the welcome table greeted by his parents, Oldis Phillips and Ellen Hairston; three siblings; and other loved ones who preceded him in death.

A Winston-Salem native, Jerry was a 1961 graduate of Atkins High School.  Upon graduation, Jerry joined the U.S. Army and after completion of his tour of duty he returned home where he met and married the love of his life, the former Ossie Carter.  To secure the future of his family, Jerry sought and received employment with R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.  He retired after 32 years of service.

Jerry's children, Cynthia (Antonio), Jerry, Jr. (Cieanna), Renea, Keon, and Christian all loved and adored their dad and will forever cherish his memory. Mr. Hairston's fully bloomed family tree blossomed again with the birth of his grandchildren, William, Jr., Tim, Kiara, Jerod, Brianna, Kristyona, and Arryelle; great- grands, Kayden, Jaiden, Josiah, William, III, Isaiah, and Kaleb who will forever cherish their time well-spent and their fond and loving memories of their granddad and great granddad. He leaves to cherish lasting memories his brothers, Edward Plowden (Ann) and Harold Roberts (Nettie); sister, Sharon Pickney (Allen); also among Jerry's treasured loved ones are many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jerry also extended his care and love to 3 God-Sons, Melvin and  Darron Daniels and Lamar Joyner; as well as his childhood and best friend, Danny Solomon; and a very special care giver, Rita Jones.

Jerry was an avid supporter of the Winston-Salem State University Rams athletic programs.  He rarely missed a game and was frequently known to give a play-by-play account of any on-going game.  He was equally a huge Washington Redskins fan and was known to be a great lover of music.  Jerry loved talking with and meeting people and could always strike a connection with a total stranger by finding that human quality that simply brings people together.

Jerry was a life-long member of Shiloh Baptist Church and attended as long as his health permitted.

This day, our hearts are broken and we miss you terribly. But don't worry about us for you taught each of us to be strong and to look to the Lord who supplies our every need.

Rest peacefully - we will meet again.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Monday, December 30, 2019 at First Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 10:00am until 11:00am on Monday at the Church.