Obituary of TSGT William “Brother Rick” Hairston

The Life and Times of Brother Rick

William Richard Hairston was born on July 29, 1955, in Lackawanna, New York, to Theodore Hairston and Everlean Davis Hairston.

TSGT William “Brother Rick” Hairston, a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and a cherished member of his community, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 69, in Copperas Cove, Texas, where his daughter, Fileza Harden, and her family reside. Brother Rick devoted his life to service, both to his country and to his faith.

Enlisting in the United States Air Force in March 1977, Brother Rick served with unwavering dedication for 20 years, retiring in April 1997. During his distinguished military career he served as a Dining Hall Supervisor and Mortuary Affairs Supervisor. He deployed to Saudi Arabia (Operation Desert Shield) and Cuba multiple times. During his service in Bitburg, Germany, he met and married Consuelo “Connie” Hairston. They shared 45 wonderful years of marriage until her passing.

Brother Rick’s commitment extended beyond his military career. He became a licensed and ordained Minister and Elder in the Church, touching countless lives through his ministry. He served as a chaplain for Lowndes High School football from 2003 to 2006. He directed the Joy of Jesus Youth Camp for one year and brought hope and solace to inmates at the Lowndes County Jail and Robert Patton State Detention Center.

Known for his deep compassion, steadfast loyalty, and genuine care for others, Brother Rick was a pillar of strength for his family, church, and friends. His life was an inspiring testament to patriotism, faith, and selflessness. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Mark Hairston.

Brother Rick Hairston is survived by his sons Terrance Buton, Richard Hairston and daughter Fileza Harden; three sisters, Karen Moe, Everlean Hairston, Sylvia Hairston Roberts and brother Curtis Hairston; sixteen grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, god kids and sorrowing friends.

A Celebration of life will be Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1:00 P. M. at Joyful Sound Ministries Pastor Julia Berry is the pastor and Rev. Earl Eady will officiate.