George Watt Hairston

1942 - 2025

Greenville - George W. Hairston, 82, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and highly respected lawyer died peacefully at home in Greenville, South Carolina on July 13, 2025. George is survived by his wife of 56 years, Elaine Hayden Hairston; daughter, Amy (Jay) Crockett of Greenville, South Carolina; son, Scott (Jacqueline) Hairston of Winnetka, Illinois; and grandchildren, Lainie and Lilly Picklesimer, Evelyn and Madeline Hairston, and Chandler and Carson Crockett.

George was born to Genewth and Magellan Hairston on a farm in tiny Arabia, Ohio on August 1, 1942. His father, Magellan, was the coach of the legendary Waterloo Wonders, a small high school basketball team that, against all odds, won two state high school championships and barnstormed during the Great Depression. George carried on the family sports tradition as he was a state high school champion in the low hurdles in 1960.

George graduated with honors from Southern Methodist University in 1965. At The Ohio State University College of Law, George served as Comment Editor of the College of Law Journal and was named to The Order of the Coif as he graduated in 1968.

A man who valued trustworthiness and integrity in all things, George served as Managing Partner of the Columbus, Ohio office of Baker & Hostetler for 27 years. There, he helped shape a law firm culture that reflected the highest standards of service and advocacy, during a period of remarkable growth for the firm. His personal practice focused on the automotive industry and major health care organizations. Additionally, George led an effort to provide professional opportunities for Ohio State minority law students in all Columbus' major law firms.

George served the Columbus community as a member of the Board of Directors of Doctors Hospital and its subsequent Osteopathic Heritage Foundation. He also served on the Board of Directors of Dealers Alliance Corporation, Central Benefits Mutual Insurance Company, The Columbus Museum of Art, The Columbus Symphony and Recreation Unlimited, a summer camp for individuals with developmental disabilities. He also served on the National Council of The Ohio State University College of Law for decades.

In 2005, The Ohio State University honored him with its Distinguished Service Award at its Summer Commencement, noting that "Dedication, integrity, civility and intelligence are the hallmarks of George W. Hairston's distinguished career and personal life."

An avid sportsman, George loved golf, fly fishing, and bird hunting (particularly with Woody, his beloved bird dog). His extended family knew him as Uncle George and knew that he would always be there for them. His beloved Grands, whom he believed to be just perfect, called him "No Rules Grandpa," which he relished. Scarlet and Gray were George's favorite colors and Saturdays in Autumn would find him in Ohio Stadium cheering on the Buckeyes. George's deepest pride rested in his cherished children, Amy and Scott, not just for their many accomplishments, but because of the values they hold. They were the joy of his life, along with his wife, Elaine, his life partner of 56 years.

Someone once commented "They don't make them like George Hairston anymore."

Indeed, they don't.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Columbus on Sunday October 5, 2025. Details are forthcoming and will be available at www.thomasmcafee.com

In lieu of flowers, should you wish, memorial donations may be made to the Elaine H. and George W. Hairston Student Support Fund, a scholarship benefiting Ohio State undergraduate students majoring in History or English who demonstrate financial need, with a preference for students from the Appalachia region of Ohio: https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/317056

Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.