David Eugene Hairston Jr,

David Eugene Hairston, Jr. took his rest on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. David, also known as Gene, was born in Stokes County on September 22, 1960, to the late David Eugene Hairston and Bertha Mildred Smith Hairston of Walnut Cove, North Carolina. David graduated from South Stokes High School with the Class of 1978 and remained lifelong friends with many of his classmates. David remained active in baseball throughout his school-age years. Those who knew him found David had a big heart, a personality filled with humor, and if he was your friend, he was a friend for life. His generous spirit was felt by those young and old. After over 20 years of dedicated service, David retired from the Reynolds American Corporation (formerly RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company), on March 17, 2023. During his tenure, he served as a machine operator for the company. David joined St. Mary's United Methodist Church as a child prior to his father’s passing. His mother raised him in a Christian home where he learned profound lessons about dignity and freedom, which encouraged him to question his experiences and environment. He evolved into a fierce advocate for environmental justice and social equality. As President of the Walnut Tree Community Association, David played a significant role in petitioning the town of Walnut Cove for his childhood neighborhood to be annexed, which was finally achieved in 2018. As a result of the persistence, residents are able to participate in local elections and receive services including trash collection and snow removal. He also received grant funding and led efforts to build The Walnut Tree Community Playground, which includes equipment and a walking trail to promote physical and social wellness for all. David was currently working to build the Mildred S. Hairston Youth Mentoring Center, a nonprofit organization for academic support and programming in honor of his mother. In addition to his commitment to the Walnut Tree Community, David was a devoted volunteer for numerous organizations in Stokes County. He was an active board member for the Walnut Cove Public Library, a mentor for Project Youth 360, an advisory board member for Hanging Rock State Park, a community partner of Lillie’s Project, and a member of the Stokes County NAACP. His influence and activism extended to the state and national levels through his role as a board member for Appalachian Voices, his support of the national Poor People’s Campaign, and his involvement with Residents for Coal Ash Cleanup and the National Hairston Clan Reunion. He leaves to cherish his memory: one sister, Sandra J. Hairston, one maternal aunt, Nancy Smith Dodd (Jerry) of Walkertown, and a host of close cousins and friends. He was especially close to all of his surviving first cousins: Dr. Edward (Marian) Hairston, Barbara Ann Hairston, Donna Faye Hairston, Wanda Davis, Gwendolyn Winford, Melvin Hairston, Haywood Hairston, Perry Hairston, Lorraine Wood, Angela (Donald) Lineberger, Rev. Gregory (Debra) Hairston, Deborah Sykes, George Hairston, Jr., Pamela Hairston, Michael Hairston, Crystal Hairston, Patricia Fischer, Howard Fontaine, Dudley Fontaine, Anthony (Patricia) Broome, Dr. Brooksie (Norlonn) Sturdivant, Jacqueline Smith, John Daniel Smith, Jr., Jennifer Smith, Sherry Forrest, Eddie Forrest, Jr., Joseph Forrest, Cheryl Smith, and Nicole (Joseph) Smith-Elliott. Rest in peace, my funny, gregarious, loving little brother. I love you, and I will miss you every day for the rest of my life

David Eugene Hairston Jr,

September 22, 1960 - July 24, 2023