Obituaries

Mr. James Willie Hairston, 84, of Eden, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026. He was born on April 17, 1942, in Bassett, Virginia, to the late Samuel Hairston and Wilda Thomas Hairston.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lois Norman and Shirley Largin; his brothers, Bivian Hairston, Christopher Lee Bruce, Samuel Hairston, and Lonnie Hairston; and stepdaughter, Susan Bruce.

James was a member of Church Without Walls. He was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent over 30 years as a truck driver. In his leisure time, James enjoyed watching the Steve Harvey Show and Family Feud, cheering for his favorite football teams, and following the golf game.

He is survived by devoted wife of 39 years, Lola Ross Hairston; two daughters, Benita Vernon (Tim) and Tosha Hairston; two sons, James Hairston and Parish Hairston; three stepsons, Robert Bruce, William Bruce, Jr. and Willie Bruce; one step daughter, Mary Ann Bruce; three sisters, Hazel Moore, Elder Olivia Simmons, and Patricia Hairston; one brother, Lonnie Hairston; four beloved grandchildren, Sierra Herndon, Dometrise Hairston, Parish Hairston, Jr., and Shamera Massey Fields, 13 step grandchildren, and 15 step great grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A special thank you to his step granddaughter, Shelly Bruce, who served as his aide.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:30 AM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel. Interment will follow at Ross Family Cemetery in Bassett, Virgina. The family will receive friends thirty minutes prior to the service. A floating visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.