Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1942
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Colonel Hairston Obituary
Colonel MacArthur Hairston, 83, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Trellis Supportive Care. He was born on August 18, 1942, in Henry County, Virginia, to the late Cornel Pete Hairston and Mary Morris Hairston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his previous wife, Shantina Hairston and beloved daughter, Cynthia Yvette Hairston.
Colonel was a proud graduate of George Washington Carver High School, Class of 1961. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with dignity and discipline values that shaped his military career and guided his life within the community. Upon returning home, he worked for many years as a welder and later retired from Microfibers after a long and dedicated career. In his leisure time, he found joy in music, often singing and playing the piano, and he also enjoyed farming, gardening, and relaxing while watching his favorite westerns. Colonel was a man of great faith and was member of New Birth Worship Center in East Bend, North Carolina.
Colonel leaves behind, his loving wife, Kathy Transou Hairston of the home; four children, Vincent Welcome of Orlando, FL, Anthony (Renea) Hairston of Roanoke, VA, Chere (Jerome) Martin of Martinsville, VA, and Shawndredi I. Hairston of Winston Salem, NC; two stepchildren, Carlos Transou (Lauren) of Clemmons, North Carolina and Antonio Transou (April) of Boone, North Carolina; 20 grandchildren, Isaac Gilbert, Kelly Roberts, Kiara Dixon, Joshua Martin, Aaron Martin, Vionn Welcome, Vance Welcome, Vonti Welcome, Vaeln Welcome, Latoya Anderson, Jeremy Lewis, Destynea Payne, Aerianna Payne, Asher Payne, Malachi Payne. Carolos M. Transou II, Raelyn M. Transou, Isabella R. Transou, Desmond A. Transou, and Zeke M. Transou; 8 great grandchildren, 13 siblings, Leth (Marion) Hairston, Elaine Foster, Brenda (Darnell) Taylor, Vernon (Lovey) Hairston, Lydia Faye Hairston, Opheila Norman, Hosea (Kennita) Hairston, Van Julius (Tracy) Hairston, Zyrus Hairston, Tamarya Renee (Dereke) Strawn, Fernanda (CJ) Martin, Troy (Nada) Hairston, Elliott (Evora) Hairston; along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends who will miss him deeply.
The funeral service to honor Colonel’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at The Greater International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Inc. – “The Assembly Building,” at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor C.J. Martin, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 1:30pm at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bassettfuneralservice.com.
Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Hairston family.
Memories and Condolences
for Colonel Hairston
Bonita Johnson
October 1, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Praying for the family and friends. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Betty Burwell
September 30, 2025
My condolences and prayers for the Hairston family.
Sarah Martin
September 27, 2025
To the family. You have my deepest sympathy. May God be with all of you in the days ahead.
Sarah Martin
MT Olivet Apostolic Church
September 26, 2025
Chere' the MT Olivet Apostolic Church Family have you in their prayers. May God continue to bless you and your family during this time of sorrow. Condolence from all of the church families. We love you!!!
Gladys King
September 26, 2025
Sending my condolences during this time of loss.
Janice Redd
September 26, 2025
My sincere condolences. My prayers are with you, family.
Paulette Copening
September 26, 2025
Prayers and condolences to the family. MacArthur played for us,"The Gospel Stars", for several years.
He was a talented musician, and he taught us much about music. When he left we missed him as I
know that his family will also. May God continue to comfort you.
Minnie Carter
September 26, 2025
Mac you’re going to be truly Missed!! You were an amazing man!! RIP Now!! No more Pain!! My Condolences to you Kathy for the loss of your beloved husband.
Sandy Goad
September 26, 2025
So very sorry for your loss, sending love and prayers for the Hairston family, God speed peace and comfort at this difficult time. Fernanda just know how much I love and am so thankful God allowed us to meet. What a Day That Will Be When Jesus I shall see, Praying for you all. God Bless.
Katherine Rucker Giles
September 26, 2025
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Hairston Family. Chere and Tony I pray God will comfort and strengthen you. Sending special love and prayers to you Chere, from your George Washington Carver High School Class of 1988❤ Katherine Giles.
September 25, 2025
Sending Prayers, Blessings and much Love to the Hairston Family. We have enjoyed many years of gatherings and music with your Mother, Father and all your siblings. Rest in Power our Brother.
The Joyce Family (Barbara, Linda, Louis & Iowa)
Marilyn Powell
September 25, 2025
We send our deepest sympathy to the Hairston Family. Chere and Tony we pray that God continue to comfort and strengthen you now and days to come ❤ Alonzo & Marilyn Powell
Renee Gilbert
September 25, 2025
Prayers of comfort for all. Love and God Bless
Rumile Pannell
September 25, 2025
So Sorry To Hear Of The Passing Of Your Love One. He Will Truely Be Missed. Sending You Hugs ,Love And Prayers. May GOD Continue To Bless You And Strengthen You.
Alice Parker
September 25, 2025
Rest in eternal heavenly peace, love you
Alice Parker
September 25, 2025
You will truly be missed sonnyboy, and I will see you again, I love you cuz
Gale Clarke
September 25, 2025
Chere sending my condolences and prayers of comfort to you and your family.
Gale Clarke
Diane Smith
September 25, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss.
Hazel Spencer
September 25, 2025
We are Sorry for your Loss, May God's Peace Surround and Comfort you in your Season of Grief. (The Life Society).
Peter and Willie Mae Harris
September 25, 2025
Leth, Marion and the entire Hairston family you have our prayers and deepest sympathy. May God bless you!
Mike Ferguson
September 24, 2025
Sending prayers of comfort for Chere' and the entire family.
Bobby and Mary Stockton
September 24, 2025
Our Condolences and Prayers For The Family of This Great "Musician ".
Bobby and Mary Stockton
Kiara Dixon
September 24, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Andrea -Rosa Welcome Hawkins
September 24, 2025
Sending love and prayers for my brother, Vincent R. Welcome, his kids, and his family, as they celebrate the homegoing of the Colonel. May they be all united in peace and provide joy to each other. This is a hugh, beautiful family. I pray you love one another while given the chance to be together.
Vincent, I love you and will always remind you of the times I remember as a kid, of the tall, handsome, piano playing, smooth talking man, McArthur, who was kind me. God's blessings upon all. RIP
Gladys King
September 24, 2025
Sending my condolences during this time of loss.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Colonel Hairston's name
How to support Colonel's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Colonel Hairston's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
