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BORN
1937
DIED
2024
FUNERAL HOME
William Hairston Obituary
Northampton, MA - On Friday, March 22, 2024, William R. Hairston transitioned to his eternal home at the age of 86. He was born November 10, 1937 in Pittsylvania County (Danville), Virginia to the late Theodore and Jessie Mae Wilson Hairston. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and was baptized into fellowship at Jones Chapel Baptist Church.
William, affectionately known as "Bill" and "Dee Dee", graduated from South Side High School in 1956, and enlisted in the United States Army. After his time in service, he moved to New Haven, Connecticut and was married to Jean Inge. Out of this union was born two sons, Timothy and Tracy Hairston.
William retired from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. He loved his work as a counselor. He provided mental health counseling for veterans and their families. His specialties included treating patients with addiction problems, coordinating programs, and community outreach. The halfway house for men in recovery on Graves Ave. was named the Hairston House in honor of William Hairston. William was full of compassion and loved God, his family, and his church. He was a deacon at College Church and served as the weekend custodian for many years.
He was predeceased by nine brothers and sisters. He leaves to cherish his memories, two sons, Timothy and Tracy Hairston, one granddaughter and great grandson, a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The family gratefully acknowledges all acts of kindness shown to them from Pastor Bill, Christine and Tom O'Donnell, the members of College Church, Czelusniaks Funeral Home, and the Critical Care Team at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent to College Church (PO Box 203, Northampton, MA 01060).
A Celebration of Life will take place at College Church (58 Pomeroy Terrace, Northampton) on Saturday, April 27 at 11am. A reception will follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hairston
R.Scott Pomeroy
December 24, 2024
Bill was a great man and a good friend to me in a time of need I met him in the 80s and knew him for many years He will be missed greatly !
Cathy and Jim Tenerowicz
April 19, 2024
Bill was a wonderful and caring man who always had a smile to share. My husband and I both worked with him at the VA in Leeds, and he and I often kidded with each other about cars. May he rest in peace, and prayers for him and his family. God Speed Bill~ Cathy and Jim T.
Gordon Tatro
April 11, 2024
When I began my employment at the VA hospital in construction management (1998-2019), the first job assigned to me was working with Bill to get his office redone with new furniture. It was a simple job, but I knew I was being tested as my supervisor was not going to turn over massive construction contracts until simpler projects were satisfactorily managed and accomplished correctly. After getting floor plans scaled up and printed, and catalogs of furniture that were acceptable and available, I invited Bill to come to my office and we sat in the conference room...and using cut-out desks, chairs, couches, and tables etc etc (from the catalogs) we set about shuffling them around on the drawing floor plans until what he selected fit each room and were arranged to take advantage of telephone, computer, and electoral wall outlets. Everything went well, and Bill and I often greeted each other as we met (at the VA) until he retired and then too, we often talked about the VA when I met him at College Church usually near the rear wall...each Sunday. I´ll miss his friendship and our conversations (there is a `hole´ now... at the back wall of College Church where Bill could always be found-I still see him there!).
Marcia Sheehan
April 10, 2024
Gene and I had very fond memories of Bill. He was truly a kind man and devoted to helping others. He was a regular at the Blue Bonnet Diner and will be greatly missed. Hopefully Gene and Bill will be seeing each other on the other side .
Marcia Sheehan
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Lydia Kapell
April 9, 2024
Bill is one of the kindest men I have ever met Truly a godsend. I will miss his good cheer and warmth
Mark
April 9, 2024
I first knew Bill when I plowed at Barrett St. He got people to move cars! He was the man that all the neighbors knew and respected. He loved his cars and all the extras he would add to them. I would see him at Stop & Shop later in life. Just physically seeing him was calming, and then to talk to him, even more so. Rest in peace Bill, you will be missed as one of the grounding pillars in our community.
Rachel Simpson
April 8, 2024
I loved Bill and enjoyed some very meaningful conversations with him, usually at Stop & Shop but sometimes elsewhere. We always talked about recovery and the grace of God. He was a huge help and power of example to so many people, including my late ex-husband Kevin, who held him in the highest regard. One of the last times I saw Bill he was showing me his new car in the parking lot! It was a real privilege to know him.
Tim Maki
April 8, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of this loss to Bill´s family, College Church and the community. Though it´s been over 20 years since we lived in the area and worshipped at College Church, Bill is one individual that always comes to mind when we think of church on Pomeroy Terrace. He was a remarkable individual whose impact was immeasurable.
Donna
April 8, 2024
So sorry to hear this. I didn't know him personally but saw Bill ALL the time for many years at Stop and Shop. We'd say hello to each other and that was that. Noticed he was walking slower the past few times I saw him there. Rest easy...
Scott Pomeroy
April 8, 2024
So sorry to hear this news !Bill was a great humble man full of wisdom who I met at college church in the 80s and was great mentor during some hard times in my life he will be greatly missed by many!
R.Scott Pomeroy
Cathie McCoy
April 7, 2024
Bill Hairston was a truly great man, and I can´t even think of College Church without him being there, quietly taking care of details, making sure that things were set up properly, and watching for people who were new or looked like they needed a hug or word of encouragement.
He gave the greatest hugs. He was wise. He was so incredibly humble. He was so very, very kind.
Rest well, my dear brother. You will be missed.
But I´ll see you again.
Anne Murray
April 6, 2024
Bill was such a good guy! He taught me how to box on the speed bag that was located in the 4-lower-lower gym. I loved how he shared great wisdom with a quiet tone. RIP
Maryann Leftwich
April 6, 2024
To the sons & family: my heartfelt condolences to you; I knew DeeDee (didn´t know his name was William) 60+ years ago and I´m so happy to learn he spent his life blessing so many; the words "well done thy good and faithful servant" certainly come to mind; Family, may beautiful memories remain in your hearts forever.
Linda Louise Leary
April 6, 2024
I have known Bill for many years and appreciated his honesty friendship and care that he gave to everyone he met. Bill was like the "North Star" in his community and at the VA. I remember doing the moon walk in the hallway on ward 4lower with him and he was one of a few employees that attended my mothers funeral on 10/25/2002. I believe that God has truely blessed you
and you are now in the Eternal reward that you have dearly earned.
God Bless you, Bill.....even though you are gone, the memories,will always be in my heart.
Susan Barnard
April 6, 2024
My mom new him and we would run into him now and then and I got to see his watch collection which he was proud of. Bill was such a nice man always kind and friendly.
Pamela Long
April 5, 2024
Love you always Uncle DeeDee . Heart felt.
William and Pam Long
Phyllis saunders
April 5, 2024
My condolences to the family and I will be praying for comfort Love the Saunders and Leftwich Family!!!
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