Deacon Willie James Hairston was born on July 31, 1940 in Davidson County, North Carolina to the late Manchfield Hairston and Alberta Jean Hairston Simms. He departed this life peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem.

Deacon Hairston was a devoted and faithful member of Buncombe Baptist Church, where he served diligently on the Deacon Board. He was also a committed member of the Male Chorus and the Spiritual Choir. A man of fellowship and community, he was an original member of the Elites Club.

He worked with great dedication throughout his life, retiring from Celanese, North Carolina Finishing Company and later from the Davidson County Sheriff's Department after many years of honorable service.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, JoAnn Hairston; his second wife, Mae Deen Hairston; and his son, Anthony Hairston.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving daughter, Kimberly Michelle Hairston; his devoted daughter-in-law, Kim Hairston; eight grandchildren: Millicent Marshall, Johnathan Friend, Travis Tyler, Courtney Gray, La'Kayla Hairston, LeOndria Hairston, An'Quan Hairston and Asjah Hairston; nineteen great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Yadkin Star Baptist Church, with family visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Buncombe Baptist Church Cemetery.

Public viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Service.