Robert lee Hairston

Mr. Robert Lee Hairston, 95, heard his Lord whisper, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant" on Tuesday February 20, 2024. Born on June 8, 1928 to the late Martha Hairston in Winston-Salem, NC where he would go on to be a prodigious entrepreneur, a loving husband, a faithful father, and more. Robert Hairston attended Winston-Salem, Forsyth County Schools for his K12 experience but much of his success was self-taught. He started his professional experience as a tobacco loader in the early 1940s and eventually transitioned to be the architect of much of the social infrastructure of Winston-Salem. Surviving the storms of the Black freedom movement of the 1950s and 60s, he emerged as an entrepreneur (general contractor) building and restoring churches, funeral homes, stores and family dwellings throughout the city. With his own hands, he would help to build his beloved city as a sole proprietor. His entrepreneurial spirit and business success was unusual for Black men at his station and status but he quietly amassed professional success. Standing 6'4 and impeccably dressed Hairston would be called Rob, Daddy, Grandaddy, Pop (nicknamed after his favorite, Coca-Cola), Mr. Rob and Mr. Hairston. But most important, he would be called a follower of Christ. He was a devout Christian and member of New Bethel Baptist Church for over 50 years. At New Bethel he served on the usher board, laymen’s league, the baptist training union and was the self-appointed chief of parking logistics. He was an active member of the National Hairston Clan. In his later years he joined the supportive Holland Homes community and was loved deeply by the congregation of Pleasant Union Progressive Primitive Baptist. While he served in many official and unofficial roles in his church and community, his most cherished roles were husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Mr. Robert Lee Hairston is survived by his loving daughter, Shirley Bishop; adored grandchildren; Tina Turner, Kendra Hairston, Tonya L. Ford, Candace Bishop, J. DeLano Ford and Kenny Ray Hairston, II. Great grandchildren; Jaina Renee' Turner, Keniyah Hairston, Tristan Hairston. Dedicated Nieces and Nephew; Martha Edwards, Samuel F. Hairston (Terri) Leretha Wyatt (Vernon), and a host of great nieces, great nephews and beautiful friends who became family. He was preceded in death by wives Helen Gunnings and Mary 'May May' S. Hairston; children Kenny Ray Hairston Sr. (Deborah) and Helena H. Ford (Pete). Brothers Samuel F. Hairston Sr. and George Hairston. A tall and imposing gentleman- handsome, well-dressed, self-taught, and a man of few words. While a quiet soul, his actions were louder. He provided generously for his family (building their home from scratch), financed vacations (while wearing formal suits on a beach), and restored numerous homes and institutions throughout Winston-Salem. His loves included men's haberdashery, chewing tobacco (later chewing gum), coca-cola, hershey's chocolate bars and KFC (later Chic-Fil-A). May his quiet yet significant impact be remembered and multiplied by all those who loved him