Charles was born in Louisville, Mississippi to Edward and Bessie Hairston on November 18, 1929. Charles had eight siblings whom he loved. He attended Winston County High School before joining the service. Charles enlisted in the US Army and served from 1951 to 1959. He was a combat engineer Army Sergeant who served in Germany where he was awarded the Occupational Medal. He went on to serve in Korea and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged. His love and pride of serving his country was something he held in high regard throughout his life. Charles had one child Emma Joyce Hairston who he adored. Emma, all to early passed at the young age four. Charles cherished the time he had with her and carried her memory dearly. After the military, Charles entered into the field of welding, a trade he took a lot of pride in. He worked all over America predominately constructing steel tanks, many of these water tanks are still in use today. He was a very skilled, honest and dependable welder with a great work ethic. Charles worked several years for Bethlehem Steel, and was promoted to foreman. This kind of work took Charles far. He worked, or had visited every state but two, Alaska & Hawaii. When asked why not those two, he responded “I don’t like the cold & I can’t drink that much water”.
Charles loved to hunt and go fishing. Despite living in California the rest of his days, the country boy inside never left. He had a soft spot for the Blues and enjoyed listening to music. He was an LA Lakers fan and often watched the games, as well as golf and wrestling. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, never taking it for granted. He could often be quoted saying, “Tomorrow’s not promised”. Their was a spirit inside Charles that had a profound effect on those around him. Those that knew him loved him. His smile and laughter will never be forgotten.
Charles is survived by his sister Camiller Hairston. Brother in law John Rosevelt Wright. Sister in law Laura Mae Hairston and Sally Belle Thompson.
He is also survived by his Nieces and Nephews: Merilyn Minor, Shirley Hoskins, Chearlyn Ingram, Shelia Lewis, Brenda Hoskins, Charles Hoskins, Precious Cox, James Jerome Hairston, Oliver Hairston, Eddie Hairston, Max Hairston, Harold Hairston, William Hairston, Omelle Hairston, Beverly Hairston, Kevin Wright, Sharon Wright, Shelly Ann Murray. Rhona Williams and Ronnel Williams
Charles is proceeded in death by his siblings:
Edylee Wansley (Bernum), Willie Ruth Mitchell (Robert)
Paula Boles (Charles Taylor) (Walter), Emma Wright (John Rosevelt), Oliver Hairston (Laura Mae), Shelly Thompson (Sally Belle)
He is also proceeded in death by his Niece and Nephews:
Deborah Nettles, Charles Ray Hairston and Timmie Metoyer Wansley
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