Robert J. Hairston, 92, of Walnut Cove, NC died January 30, 2021. There will be no viewing or service open to the public.

Robert Junior was born on May 24, 1928, the son of the late Lonie Hairston and Neil Hairston. He was raised by his mother Lonie and stepfather Howard Watkins and attended the public schools in Walnut Cove, North Carolina. He later finished his education at Bell Vocational High School in Washington, DC. Robert departed this life on January 30, 2021, four months after being admitted to the Walnut Cove Health and Rehabilitation Center in NC. Robert entered the Army on January 3,1951 and transferred to the Army Reserve on December 19, 1952. Robert was a Korean War Veteran. He was honorably discharged on January 25, 1957, serving six years total. Shortly after that, he met and married Anna Walls, and from this union there were four children and one stepdaughter. Robert started working for George Washington University in the Physical Plant Department as a carpenter in 1959 and retired in 1994 working there for a total of 35 years. After retiring, he returned back to Walnut Cove, NC where he spent the last 27 years of his life. He was an individual who enjoyed life, kept a positive attitude, and motivated his children to be survivors in this life and not to take anything for granted. He would always say, “Tomorrow is not promised” and to “ Be thankful for another day.” We can say that God blessed Dad with much wisdom, and that he taught us to trust in God always and pray for guidance.

Robert is survived by: his children: Robert Tavaris Hairston Jr. of King, NC; Shirley Hairston Philips and husband (Mark) of Capitol Heights, MD; Andre Denise Norwood of Waldorf, MD; Verrell Hairston of Washington, DC; and Delores Ledbetter of High Point, NC. In addition, his ex-wife, Anna Hairston of Waldorf, MD. Also, his cousins: Betty Scales of Pine Hall, NC, who was just like a big sister who gave much guidance, support, and advice; Charlie Hairston of High Point, NC; Horace Hairston of High Point, NC, Martha Johnson and husband (Bobby) of Cincinnati,Ohio; Mary Hairston, of Pine Hall, NC. Next, grandchildren: Mujahid IBN Keith and wife (Zaneb) of Laurel, MD; Damein Pendergast, Jason Pendergast, and Brian Pendergast all of Wash, DC. Also, Barbara Roberson of Wash, DC; Racquel Hairston of Virginia Beach, VA; Alana Ledbetter of Trinity, NC and Angela Norwood, and Amanda Norwood of Waldorf, MD; Dr. Adrienne Norwood of Laurel, MD; 13 great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.