Name: Bernstein Funeral Home
Address: Athens, GA

Ben and family,

So very sorry to hear of your loss!  Milton, Mother, Vicki and I wish you all the best, and you have our deepest sympathy.

Dear Ben and Melody,  I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bill Hairston was a very dear friend of mine. I became his daughter inlaw just a month ago. I never heard him raise his voice or lose his temper. He called me "sugar", and loved for me to cook meatloaf and banana pudding for him. He never once turned down anything I cooked for him and his wife and my Ben. I remember he brought in a fresh flower from the garden for his bride of almost 70 years, everyday. They were in love until death did she part... and he mourned her absence until death did he part. It is a beautiful love story, and a legacy I shall never put aside. His 3 children are wonderful citizens because of his Godly nature and nurture. I thank God to be a part of this family. He was a soldier until the very end, and I was there to witness it. What a blessing to have known such a man. If the Good Lord would break the rules just this one time... I bet he and his bride are sharing a mansion in glory together now. I love you Bill.

We are sorry to hear about Mr. Hairston. I (David) have so many memories of him and Mrs. Hairston. Every time I think of him I think of camping.  I know that he loved camping in his earlier years. He meant so much to me, my family and Young Harris Methodist Church. We will miss him dearly.  He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. Love, David and Mandy Phillips

Thinking of you all after such a difficult year of loss. God bless.

Bill, Martha and family, Chuck and I are saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. I always looked forward to seeing your Dad and sweet Mom come to church every Sunday morning. They would come through the Fellowship Hall where the choir was gathered before going into the sanctuary, and I always marvelled at their dedication to Young Harris UMC and the Lord. Please know that we are thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers during this difficult time.

Bill and his wife, Ann,  were fine people.  I knew him through work for many years and he was always as nice a person you could deal with.  He served his God, country , family, company and many people. May God bless the family. 

Jimmy Jones

Please accept my deepest sympathy.  Mr. Hairston retired a good many years before I started working for Georgia Power Company in Athens (at the Prince Ave. office, across the street from his church). However, after his retirement, Mr. Hairston would drop by and you could always count on him to come by selling the church's chicken BBQ dinner tickets.  When he stopped coming by, I missed his visits.  He was a sweet man and I know he was special to many. Undoubtedly there are other employees that actually worked with Mr. Hairston who will have special memories of him as well. Mr. Hairston was one of the "Greatest Generation" and will not be forgotten.  You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.

Sincerely,
Karen Atkinson
NE Region Office
Athens, GA

We extend our deepest sympathy to all members of the Hairston family including our dear friends Don and Martha Fowler and their daughters Renee and Sally.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.


Bill was one of the pillars of Young Harris Memorial United Methodist Church. His humor and humility were inspiring.  His life is an example of kindness , courage, and faith.  Athens and we will miss Bill.

I'm so sorry for your loss ... without a doubt, it's my loss, too.  I will never forget Bill, who was like a second father to me; who always had a cheerful word and was ready to have fun.  He was fun!  Once, when Martha and I were growing up, the Hairstons invited me to go along with them on a church camp out in Walhalla, SC.  We had a terrific time.  There were tons of wonderful cooks - including Martha's mother, Ann.  On Saturday night, the highlight of the festivities was a contest to see who could dress the tackiest.  Martha and I dressed up like hay-seed hicks and we thought we would surely win.... until Bill came in.  He was wearing a big, floppy hat, an apron, and was carrying a toy gun.  And he looked real tacky.  I don't know if I ever laughed so hard before or since.  He stole the show!
Bill had a way of making everybody feel like they were somebody important.  For him, life was an adventure to be enjoyed and savored.  I'm glad to have known him and had his example these many years.
May God bless you all with healing, peace, and hope in these most difficult days.
Love,
Rene' L. Hinds

I am so sorry to hear about your loss.  He was such a wonderful man.  I always enjoying talking to him when I would visit him with you, Renee.  I love you all and I'm praying for peace and strength for the whole family.  

Praise God we know exactly where he is now and we know we'll see him again!

Hugs to all!

Carrie Cupp and family

OBITUARY

William H Hairston Jr

August 11, 1921 – August 21, 2012

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

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