Billy Gene Hairston, 93, of Warren, passed away on April 6, 2024. He was a devoted husband and father, and a beloved grandfather and uncle.
He was born on June 18, 1930, to Aubert Lewis Hairston and Susie Caroline Grider Hairston in Warren, Arkansas. He grew up in the Crossroads Community and graduated from Banks High School in 1951.
He served in the United States Army, completing basic training at Camp Roberts, California before deploying to Okinawa, Japan during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge as corporal, he worked for over 37 years as a hardwood lumber inspector for Potlatch, Inc. in Warren.
He married Audrey A. Carter on November 25, 1953. They have two sons, Roger and John.
Billy had a great sense of humor, was a keen storyteller, and cared deeply for his family. He was steadfast and will be fondly remembered for his devotion to family and being a man of integrity. He loved watching Razorback and Lumberjack sports and spending time with his grandchildren.
He was the last remaining sibling of Byron, Curtis, Hazel, Sue, and twin brother Aubert Dean. He is survived by his wife, Audrey, and two sons: Roger (Robin) of Warren, and John (Story) of Little Rock. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Dana Hairston Hof of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; Sarah Hairston O’Neil (Josh) of New Orleans, La.; Cole Hairston of Atlanta, Ga.; Sarah Svoboda of Amherst, Mass.; Nathan Hairston of Manila; Mark (Jacey) Hairston of Little Rock; and Annie Hairston of Little Rock. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Rowan, Arden, and Pierson Hof; and Liam and Tilly O’Neil.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dale (Jimmie) Carter of Little Rock, and several special nephews and nieces and their families.
He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Services were held at Frazer’s Funeral Home in Warren on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2 p.m. Burial was at Ebenezer Cemetery.
Pallbearers were his nephews Lathan Hairston, Jim, Miles, and Larry Garrison, and his grandsons Nathan and Mark Hairston.
Honorary pallbearers were his grandson Cole Hairston, great-grandsons Rowan and Pierson Hof, nephew Daniel Garrison, and Dr. Dichelle George.
