HAIRSTON, JR.

HARRY

Harry Hairston, Jr. was born July 11, 1930, in the small town of Nuriva, WV, to Harry and Bertha Hairston, Sr. He quietly passed away on July 11, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA, at the age of 95.

Harry was a loving father and devoted husband. He was married to Betty Jean Hairston for nearly 70 years. To this union were born two sons, upon whom he lavished his love and devoted his life.

As a small-town young man, his nickname was "Chip" in high school, where he played numerous sports, including baseball and football. But he was better known by his mother as "June-bug," and uncle June to his many nephews and nieces.

Harry loved sports, reading, gardening, playing cards and monopoly with his family. As a young man he graduated from Kimball High in Kimball, WV, and attended Bluefield State University.

After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he and his wife moved to Pittsburgh in the mid 50's. In Pittsburgh, he worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Highland Park for more than 30 years before retiring. During his career, he obtained the position of supervisor.

After retiring, he focused on traveling, visiting Spain, England, France, and Italy. Harry was selfless, kind, and courageous, always willing to help friends, family and neighbors. He embraced life and lived it to the fullest. He will be dearly missed but always loved and remembered! Rest in peace with the blessing of the Lord, Harry a.k.a. June-bug.

Harry was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hairston; brother, James Hairston; sister, Leona Boyd; father, Harry Hairston, Sr.; and mother, Bertha Hairston.

Harry leaves to cherish his memory sons, Harry (Ruth) Hairston III and Glenn (Maria) Hairston. Four grandchildren, Indea E. Herndon, Alexzandra K. Hairston, Chantal Whitehead-Scott and Matthew Herndon; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews.

Friends will be received at JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street, freyvogelfuneralhome.com, on Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 4-8 PM. Funeral on Friday, July 18, 2025, Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Cathedral, 10:00 AM.