Bobby Ray Hairston

Obituary For Bobby Ray Hairston

Bobby R. Hairston, 79 of Eden, NC passed Friday, March 8, 2024. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Perry Spencer Funeral Home Chapel, Eden, NC from 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 3:30 p.m.

The Lord called Bobby Ray Hairston home on Friday, March 8, 2024. He was affectionately known as Bob, Uncle Bob, or Bobby Ray by his siblings. Bobby Ray was the youngest of nine children born to his parents Raymond Hairston Senior and Lois Virginia Scales Hairston (both of whom preceded him in death).

Bobby Ray attended Douglas High School in Eden, NC, where he graduated in 1963. He then attended Elizabeth City State College for two years prior to entering the United States Army. Bobby Ray served as a Military Policeman and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Dix, New Jersey for most of his time in the Army. He also served with the US Army Reserves. He retired from the Federal Government Veterans Hospital in Orange, NJ after 27 years of employment.

He established residency in Newark, New Jersey. While residing in Newark, Bobby Ray met and married his wife, Margaret. Of this union, they were blessed with the birth of a beautiful daughter, Katrina. During his residency in New Jersey, Bobby Ray was a member of the traveling Veterans Administration Gospel Choir and the bowling team, which he thoroughly enjoyed. These were his favorite pastime activities. After the passing of his wife (Margaret whom he affectionately called Molly) and his daughter (Katrina), Bobby Ray returned to live out his last years in his hometown of Eden. When his health started to fail, he became a resident at the Brian Center. His favorite pastime at the Brian Center was playing Bingo and being the sergeant of arms by keeping everyone in order; eating his favorite snacks (Milky Ways, Three Musketeers candy and let’s not forget his favorite chocolate chip cookies).

Bobby Ray leaves to cherish his memory: his grandson, Jahaad Hill and his great-granddaughter, Luna Hill of Newark, NJ; two sisters, Earlean Hairston Martin of Eden and Gladiolia Hairston Hampton of Axton, VA. Four sisters (Maxine, Dorothy, Mary Alice and Emma Gray) two brothers (Raymond Jr. and Freddy) preceded him in death. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.