David Jeremiah Hairston, 83, of Martinsville, VA, departed this life on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care in Dobson, NC. He was born in Henry County, VA, on November 25, 1942, to the late James Raleigh Hairston and Dessie Beatrice Hairston.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by one son, Troy Peters, and two sisters, Elaine Hairston King and Martha Hope Hayes.

David was a faithful member of Spirit Led Holiness Temple, where he served as a musician until his health began to decline. He was a hardworking man who held many careers throughout his lifetime. In New Jersey, he was a boxer; in New York, he worked as a barber. After returning to Virginia, he worked in Richmond as a bus driver and later as a deputy. David received his certification in dendrology and became the owner and operator of Dave’s Tree Service prior to his retirement. David shared his love for music by teaching at Woodall Music and proudly served his country as a chef in the United States Army stationed in Missouri from 1965 to 1967.

Above all else, David loved his family. What he loved most in life was his grandchildren, they were truly his heart. He stepped in and raised Angel and Jeremiah as his very own, pouring into them with love, guidance, and unwavering devotion, while instilling in them strong family values, respect, faith, and the importance of standing together. One of his proudest moments was his namesake grandchild, Jeremiah Hairston, who was lovingly named in his honor. He was affectionately known to all his nieces and nephews as “Uncle DaDa,” a name that reflected the deep love they had for him.

David leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters, Joy Hairston of Martinsville, VA, and Bernadette Edwards of Atlanta, GA; one son, David Hairston of Dawson, GA; four grandchildren, Jeremiah Hairston, Angel Hairston, Christopher Edwards, and Destiny Harris; one great-granddaughter Cali Rose; one sister, Eunice T Butler (Rev Frank) of New London NC; seven nieces; three nephews; and a host of great nieces/nephews, other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 30,2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home with Rev. Frank Butler, Eulogist.

The family will be receiving family and friends at the home of the daughter Joy Hairston at 1319 Valley View Road, Martinsville, VA 24112.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.