Nick William Hairston

Nick was born on October 24, 1932, in Henry County, Virginia to the late Sanders Hairston and Virginia (Jennie) Hairston. He was the fifth of seven children. Nick was preceded in death by his three sisters, Christine H. Redd, Mary W. Stewart, and Mildred H. Schoolfield; as well as two brothers, Sanders (June) Hairston, Jr., and Allen H. Hairston.

Nick was educated in the Henry County Public School System. After graduating from secondary school, he served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. After an honorable discharge from the military, he resided in Chicago, Illinois where he was trained as a diesel mechanic. Subsequently, he worked for a trucking company and later relocated to Washington, DC where he worked for the Greyhound Bus Company for many years. After leaving Greyhound, he worked at another trucking company in the DC area until he retired. After retirement, he returned to his roots in Fieldale, Virginia where he worked for West Window Company.

Nick’s marriage to the late Adell W. Hairston, of Culpepper, Virginia, ended in divorce. Nevertheless, Nick and Adell remained close friends until her death.

Nick loved the farm land that his grandfather, father, and brother, Sanders, beautifully maintained for well over a century. He enjoyed gardening; in particular, he relished planting small vegetable gardens. Although Nick was a quiet and reserved man, he also engaged in conversations about local happenings and national events. He took pleasure in recounting specific details (both good and bad) that had occurred in the area. He also enjoyed working on cars and talking about sports and politics. He was very knowledgeable about politics and could easily discuss all of the changes that had taken place on the local and national fronts over the last several decades. He would always impress upon the younger generations the need for them to pay attention in school and get a good education.

He is survived by his sister, Virginia H. Edmondson, of Lanham, Maryland, one brother-in-law, Russell Redd (Arleen), of Fieldale, Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.