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BORN
1931
DIED
2022
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Ernest Hairston Obituary
September 21, 1931 - December 29, 2022
Ernest Hairston, age 91, passed away at Stansell House in Berlin, MD on Thursday, December 29, 2022. Mr. Hairston was a native of Walnut Cove, NC, where he was born on September 21, 1931 to the late Sabe Hairston and Judy Welch Hairston. In addition to his parents, Mr. Hairston was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Dorothy "Dottie" Hairston, as well as five brothers, Joe Hairston, Gaston Hairston, George Hairston, David Hairston, and Dudley Hairston, and three sisters, Iretha Fontaine, Mary Ann Hairston and Lucy (Loretta) Broome.
A 1949 graduate of Charles Drew High School in Madison, NC, Ernest went on to earn a B.S. degree in mathematics from North Carolina A&T State University in 1953. Following his graduation, Ernest moved to Washington, DC where he enjoyed a distinguished career as a lead aerospace engineer with NASA. During his 37-year career, he played an integral role in the Apollo missions that sent the first men to the moon.
While in Washington, DC, Ernest and Dottie became members of Canaan Baptist Church. He was also an avid fan of all Washington professional sports teams and loved playing golf with his beloved Par and Bogey golf club. After retirement, Ernest maintained residence in Ocean Pines, MD with his wife Dottie, where they were members of Faith Baptist Church.
He is survived by his son, Michael A. Hairston, daughter, Crystal Hairston, granddaughter Jasmine Andrea Barber, and a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins who reside in Walnut Cove and surrounding areas.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on January 25 at Canaan Baptist Church in Washington, DC.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Hairston
Sponsored by Burbage Funeral Home - Berlin.
Susie
January 30, 2023
Oh my dear sweet friend. You made a huge impact on my life. Your funny jokes, your NASA stories, or talking about your wife and family always put a huge smile on my face. Thank you for being so kind to me. You will be dearly missed. It was a blessing doing your hair all these years.
♡ Susie
Camille Chambers Robinson
January 28, 2023
Michael and Crystal,
I was sorry to hear about your Father’s passing. May your memories bring you comfort. He lives on forever in your hearts.
Tammy Moore
January 25, 2023
"Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." Crystal our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God comfort you and your family always!
Robert & Narressa Lee
January 25, 2023
Dear Crystal and Michael,
We were saddened to hear of your dad's transition to heaven. He surely did more than most of earn his wings. Be rest assured that all is at peace with him. I can only imagine his smile when you mom said "Hi there!" If you do nothing else over the future years, remember to treasure all the memories and special moments your parents brought forth. Remember to also support and love one another as the years come and go. In God's eyes, things end at just one blink. Take time for one another and do so lovingly. Life can be beautiful if you live it and enjoy each day.
God Bless you both!
The Stringer Family
January 24, 2023
We have you in our prayers.
The Stringer Family
Sharon Davis
January 23, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Hairston family. I'll miss chatting with Uncle Ernie. May he rest in heaven with Aunt Dottie.
Marleen Lowery
January 19, 2023
My sincere condolences to Michael. We went to RJR High School.
James Thompson
January 16, 2023
Jim and I are sending our heartfelt sympathy to your family. Ernie was a wonderful sweet man. We thank him for his service to our country. We enjoyed his fellowship at church and in his home. I know he is with his lovely wife Dotti and Jesus. God bless you all and may the Lord give you comfort and peace. Jim and Diane Thompson.
Thomas and Johnnie Cadlett
January 12, 2023
Our prayers are with the family
Darrell & Lydia Tingle
January 12, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the family. Rest in Peace, Ernie!
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