Edward Matthew Hairfield III

Edward Matthew Hairfield III (Eddie), age 85, of Morganton, passed away on Monday January 24, 2022. He was born on December 13, 1936, in Morganton to Edward Matthew Hairfield Jr. and Tessiephine Harper Hairfield.

Mr. Hairfield had many fond memories of time spent in Franklinton, NC, with his mother's side of the family. He learned many things from his Uncle Red and had fun exploring the farm with his cousins. He also cherished the many hours he spent at the NC Museum of Natural Science while his father worked in Raleigh for the state.

Mr. Hairfield attended Morganton High School and spent his senior year at Oak Ridge Military Academy. He attended Wake Forest and graduated with a BS in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. While still at Wake Forest he married Mary Barbee Winchester, also from Morganton. Following college he served as an officer in the US Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. He was honorably discharged as a 2nd Lieutenant and was promoted to the permanent rank of Captain. Eddie was a skilled marksman and won many trophies, including a marksmanship award for the entire South East. He was offered the opportunity to represent the US at the Olympics, but because he had young children by this point, he declined due to the time away from family that was required.

Mr. Hairfield spent the majority of his career at Inmont Corporation as a chemist, developing paint and finish formulas. Inmont was bought by Reliance and eventually BASF.

Mr. Hairfield was a brilliant man who spent his life in pursuit of knowledge. If anyone had a question or problem, he most likely knew the answer or solution. Even up to the time of his death, he was researching and studying biochemistry and nutrition. He was known for perfecting whatever hobby was his current interest. He was a true Renaissance man and extremely creative and artistic. He raised his children in an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity without judgment and allowed them to follow their own interests in life.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hairfield was predeceased by his wife Barbee, his sister Betsy Crew, his brother-in-law Phil Winchester and his sister-in-law Grace Peacock and her husband Gene Peacock. He is survived by his brother Allen Hairfield and his wife Beverly of Hillsville, VA, his brother-in-law John Crew of Washington, NC and his daughters Grace Jolley and husband Chris of Matthews, NC, Paula Lee Hairfield of Taylorsville, NC, Kay Zarrugh and husband Riad of Austin, TX and son Edward Matthew Hairfield IV (Matt) of Lexington, NC. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Dr. Amina Zarrugh, Nouri Zarrugh, Claire Jolley, Timothy Hairfield and Daniel Hairfield, as well as his niece, nephews and many Hairfield cousins.

Mr. Hairfield's ashes will be scattered at Wiseman's View, Linville Gorge, at a future date, in a private family ceremony along with those of his wife, Mary Barbee Winchester Hairfield. They are reunited at last and will spend eternity together.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kirkseyfh.com for the Hairfield family.