Louis Samuel Hairston

Have you ever met a person who always meets you with a smile, handshake, or a hug? An individual who never ever says no when you need a favor. A man who would be the first to pick one up when they fall. You most definitely know one if you knew Louis Samuel Hairston, AKA Louie… Louie's parents, Melissa Blocker and Earl W. Hairston, were blessed with the birth of their second son on January 8th, 1951. The weather in Pittsburgh that day was cold and blustery with winds blowing snow and sleet. However, Earl and Melissa's hearts were filled with warmth and gratitude to God for blessing them with a health beautiful baby boy whom they named Louis Samuel Hairston. After a series of illnesses, Louie departed this earth Sunday, February 1st, 2026, in the comfort of his home with his family.

Louie would often express his appreciation and love to Ocie Anderson for accepting him and his brother Earl when they were young boys into his heart. Ocie raised them as his own sons until they became adults.

Louie lived with his family in the Hill District of Pittsburgh during the early part of his life. Melissa and Ocie later moved their growing family to the South Oakland area of Pittsburgh where Louie lived until adulthood. He attended The Pittsburgh Public Schools and graduated from Schenley High School. He went on to The University of Pittsburgh where he played football. He was a Master of Martial Arts and earned a third-degree brown belt. Louie worked for Hussey Range Copper plant located in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania until they closed. This gave Louie the opportunity to do what he loved to do. He loved house painting. He would always be the one climbing to the top of ladders to paint where no one else wanted to go. He became known for his painting skills. He eventually added to home repairing abilities and became an excellent all-around handyman. There was a time in his life that Louie spent his spare time talking to people thru the Citizens Band radio better known as CB radio. He would retreat to his private place and talk to people all over the world. His handle was Skywalker 15-94.

Later Louis met the love of his life and married her. He was joined in marriage to Renay Wilson on November 18th, 1995, and from this union Chauncey Hairston was born.

Louie had a pure and genuine heart that was filled with love and appreciation. He was a champion for all women. If she saw or heard of a woman being disrespected, he would immediately interfere on her behalf knowing that his behavior might have been out of bounds. He didn't care, he would not stop until the dilemma was solved and ended in the woman's favor. He loved his family unconditionally; he was eager to forgive and forget any transgressions against him. (But when it came to his wife and son, his grace was not so free). He was a man's man, always holding his own and demanding respect when necessary. On the flip side, Louie Hairston was funny, he would wear you out talking. He had the loudest laugh in a crowd. He would even hold conversations with complete strangers. Louis Loved to fish. He took advantage of the rivers and many lakes in the area. Sadly, his love for fishing did not make him a fisherman. Unfortunately, the fish were smarter than Louie and would refuse his bait and lead his line into oblivion. He could not catch a fish in spite of himself. There were times he would buy fish on his way home from fishing knowing he was going to be tormented by Renay. Louie was extremely loyal to all that he loved, especially to his South Oakland Brotherhood. He will be missed by many people, however, most of them will smile when they think of Louie. Louie loved the Lord, he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour at a very early age in his life. It was a good day when God made Louis Samuel Hairston.

Preceding Louie in death is his mother Melissa Blocker Anderson, his two fathers, Ocie Anderson and Eard Wilson Hairston. Three brothers, Arnold and Reginald Ward, and Danny Hairston. Louie leaves a plethora of devoted loved ones from Pittsburgh who will miss him and cherish his memory. He will be waiting in heaven for his wife Renay Wilson Hairson, two sons Christopher Reynolds and Chauncey Louis Hairston (Shanita), grandchildren Jaimere, Xavior, and Nasjer. Three brothers Earl Hairston, Frank (Patricia) and Michael Anderson. Five sisters, Linda Jordan, Maureen Harwood, Phyliss Ward,

Bernadette Rosser (Marvin) and Ella Harrison. All from Pittsburgh. Louie was blessed to have three people in his life who were ride or die friends. To him they were more than friends, they were his family. He truly loved Otis (Ronnie) Keasley, Dwight and Rhonda Owens. We will be also missed by a host of family members and friends. Finally, his baby granddaughter Shaniya Hairston whom he claimed was his heartbeat.

Renay, Chauncey, and Shanita extend their appreciation and love to everyone who reached out to them with generous gifts, their time, expressions of love and prayers during this difficult time. Please keep the Hairston family in your thoughts and prayers as they will do the same for all of you.