Leon “Stoney Burk” Hairston, 84, of Clarke Rd., Martinsville, VA departed this life on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Salem, VA. He was born in Martinsville, VA on February 1, 1938, the son of the late Lem and Virgie Hairston. He was married to the late Mattie B. Hairston and to this union eight children were born.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Barry E. Hairston; two brothers, Clyde L. Hairston and James A. Hairston; and two sisters Billie A. Mixon and Louise M. Waddell.

Leon was a member of the Greater New Bethel Apostolic Church. He attended Albert Harris High School and retired from Prillaman Chemical Corporation after 25 years of service. He was an avid sports fan, participating in several bowling leagues, as well as playing basketball into his early sixties. His favorite sports teams were the Washington Commanders and UNC Tarheels. Leon was well known in his community and loved to laugh and joke with his family and friends.

Leon leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Candis R. (Linnell) Hairston of Martinsville, VA and Tiffany Hairston of Charlotte, NC; five sons, Anthony L. (Dru) Hairston of Warrenton, VA, Michael O. (Ivy) Hairston of Triangle, VA, Lemuel M. (Renee) Hairston of Rocky Mount, VA, Jeffery W. (Tai) Hairston of Blythewood, SC, and Kenneth C. Hairston of Martinsville, VA; one sister, Lucy White of Manhattan, NY; three brothers, Henry T. Hairston of Philadelphia, PA, Esaw (Mary) Hairston of Martinsville, VA and John R. Hairston of Roswell, GA; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

A visitation for Leon will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. with the funeral service following at 3 p.m. at the Greater New Bethel Apostolic Church with Brother Renado Hairston, Eulogist. The burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens. A public viewing will be held Friday, November 4, 2022, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Hairston Funeral Home. In accordance with the CDC, a face covering and social distancing is required. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 812 Clarke Rd., Martinsville, VA.

Arrangements entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.