John Thomas Hairston Jr.

John Thomas Hairston, Jr., 82, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2017. Born on July 19, 1934 in San Antonio, Tom was the son of Dr. John Thomas Hairston, Sr. and Georgia Lucile Hairston. He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Carol Ann Hairston (nee Graham), his loving children Elizabeth (Mike) Keogh, Graham (Rachel), Walker (Hannah), and his adoring grandchildren Caroline, Margaret and Emily Keogh; Cate, Libby, and Evie Hairston; Liza Jane and Annabelle Hairston. Tom is also survived by his son John Thomas “Sonny” Hairston, III (Karen) and his grandson Lucas Hairston. Tom was preceded in death by his sister Jane Hairston Neal.

He moved to Dallas in 1951 to attend Southern Methodist University on a football scholarship. While at SMU, he began his career with Tom Thumb Food Stores as a package clerk. Following graduation, Tom served in the United States Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant Navigator. He returned to Tom Thumb Food Stores and Cullum Companies in I957 and fulfilled a 34-year career. He retired from Cullum Companies in 1989 as President and Chief Operating Officer. During his career, Tom served as the Chairman of the Board for The Episcopal School of Dallas. He also served SMU in many ways, most notably as the President of the Alumni Association and the Mustang Club. He served on the boards of several local banks, including Bank of Texas. Tom was a sports fan and loved hunting and fishing. He was happiest in Lake City, CO where he spent most every summer since he was a boy. His passion for fly fishing was a gift to all who learned from him, including his children and granddaughters. It was in the mountains and rivers of Colorado that Tom truly felt at home. He simply loved being with his family.

His courage, strength and love were visible to all that had the privilege of knowing him. A service to celebrate Tom’s incredible life will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, February 27 at Saint Michael and All Angels Church, 8011 Douglas Ave., Dallas, TX 75225. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sammons Cancer Center through the Baylor Foundation www.give.baylorhealth.com or Baylor Foundation, 3600 Gaston Avenue, Barnett Tower Ste. 100, Dallas, TX 75246.