Tommy Howard Hairston, Sr.

On Sunday, September 25, 2022, Tommy H. Hairston, Sr., answered God's call at his residence with his wife.  He was born in Rowan County on March 20, 1961 to the late Barbara J. Hairston and Howard E. "Tree" Ellis. He was a graduate of North Rowan High School and furthered his education at Fayetteville Technical Community College where he earned an Associates Degree in Funeral Service in 1982. He became a licensed funeral director/embalmer and enjoyed a fruitful career in the field of funeral service for 40 years. Excellence in "embalming" was his skill, as well as being a "people" person. He enjoyed serving bereaved families in all capacities.

He was a life long member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he served in the Deacons Ministry, Ushers Ministry and Men's Choir.

Tommy was true to his purpose of "serving" his fellow man. Community: He was owner/operator of Hairston Funeral Home along with his wife, Velveeta Reid-Hairston, Vice President. He was a member and previously served as vice-president of the Rowan/Davie County Deacon's Alliance; a member and past 2nd vice president and president of the Salisbury Branch of the NAACP, past member of the Salisbury Planning Board, past board member of the Funeral Directors & Morticians Association of NC and the National Funeral Directors & Morticians, president of the Salisbury-Rowan Branch of the National Hairston Clan; member and past president of the Piedmont District Association of Funeral Service; member of the Western Star Lodge, #9, Prince Hall Affiliate, past board member of Salisbury Meals on Wheels, and past member of The Board of Visitors, Livingstone College. He was a recipient of numerous awards and recognition's including Professional of the Year in several organizations.

In addition to his parent's, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Mamie Archie, paternal grandmother, Alice Ellis, aunts, Laura Hairston, Emma A. Hunter, and Hazel A. Chambers.

He leaves cherished, and unforgettable fond memories to his loving, caring wife, Velveeta Reid-Hairston of the home, children; Rebecca Wright, Tommy H. Hairston, Jr., Damond M. Reid (Eleanor), Janeen S. Reid (Sheyn), sister, Judy Phillips (John), aunt, Rev. Ruby A. Steele; uncles, Harvey Archie and Raymond Ellis; seven grandchildren, in-laws, Rev. Jessie M. Riddick, Julius M. Riddick, Delsey R. Curtis, F. Denise Bolden, Debbie R. Basnight (Emanuel), Ronnie L. Riddick (Lynette), Rev. Wanda R. Johnson (Wade).and a host of devoted colleagues, nieces, nephews, numerous cousins and dear friends.

Public viewings will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 30, 2022, 1:00-6:00 and, Saturday, October 1, 2022, 12:00-5:00.  At other times, family will receive friends at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to; hairstonfh.com.

A service of remembrance and love will be held on, Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1570 North Long St., Spencer, NC 28159. Visitation: 1:30-2:30. Rev. Dr. David L. Bracken, pastor/eulogist. Burial will be held at Rowan Memorial Park, 4125 Franklin Commons Center Road, Salisbury, NC 28144.

In lieu of flowers, donated purchased linen items of wash cloths and towels, etc., may be delivered to Hairston Funeral Home, 703 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC in support of the T.H. Hairston, Sr., Home-Bound Support Services to share with homebound hospice families within our community.

Special thank you to his sister,  Judy Phillips, caring friends, Patricia Miller,  Toni Cook,  and friends at the VA Hospital for their non-stop support.  And,  the Glenn A. Kiser (Novant) Hospice House, staff, Salisbury, and Novant Hospice Staff, Charlotte, who provided absolute excellent care and emotional support to us; as well as extended family, friends and colleagues who stood with us throughout our journey.  You shall never be forgotten.
 

The service will be live streamed via the Facebook page of Jerusalem Baptist Church. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tommy Howard Hairston, Sr., please visit our floral store.