William Calvin Hairston

In Loving Memory of William “Bill” Calvin Hairston

November 18, 1934 – October 2, 2026

William “Bill” Calvin Hairston, 91, passed away on October 2, 2026. He was born on November 18, 1934, in his parents’ home in Norfolk, Virginia, to Clyde Verlot Hairston and Jimmie Dean Christian Hairston. Known throughout his life as “Bill,” he grew up in Norfolk during the years of the Great Depression and World War II, experiences that became an important part of the stories he shared throughout his life.

Bill was a natural storyteller. He loved recalling his childhood and describing what life was like growing up during World War II. His stories connected his family to a time and place that many of us knew only through history books, and listening to him tell them was a special part of knowing him.

On May 4, 1957, Bill married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Sarlo. Together they built a life and raised their family, sharing nearly 63 years of marriage until Barbara’s passing on February 22, 2020. They resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from 1958 until 1982, and later lived in Budd Lake, NJ, and Rocky Mount, NC before relocating a final time to Inman, SC.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army Signal Corps from November 24, 1954, until November 9, 1956, including 10 months and 28 days of overseas service in Korea. Following his military service, he returned to his career in telecommunications. He began working for Western Electric in 1953, returned there following his military service, and later worked for Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company, New Jersey Bell, and AT&T. He retired in 1996. He was a member of the American Legion.

Bill believed in giving his time to others. During the 1970s, he coached youth baseball in the Lynn Haven Boys Baseball Pony Division and served as an All-Star coach for several seasons. He also coached girls’ softball and youth basketball in the Kings Grant league in Virginia Beach. Through coaching, he encouraged young people and became a familiar and positive presence in the lives of many children and families.

In his retirement years, Bill became an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found a great deal of satisfaction in being there for others. He especially valued the opportunity to encourage and support people who were working to make positive changes in their lives. His willingness to listen, share his experience, and offer a helping hand was another expression of the thoughtful and giving person he was.

Bill valued his solitude and enjoyed his quiet time, but he also cherished the company of family. He had a way of remembering the past and bringing it to life through his stories. He enjoyed sports throughout his life, both as a participant and a fan. He loved playing golf and was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and the Washington Redskins.

One phrase Bill repeated throughout his children’s lives was:

“Good, better, best. Never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better is best.”

Those words were more than a saying. They reflected a philosophy he passed on to his family: keep trying, keep improving, and never stop striving to do your best.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ann Sarlo Hairston, who passed away on February 22, 2020; his son, Francis Dominic Hairston, who passed away on April 6, 2019; and his daughter, Susan Grace Hairston Galloway, who passed away on August 4, 2026.

He is survived by his sister, Hazel Hairston Royer; his sons, William Christopher Hairston (Alecia), Robert Patrick Hairston (Virginia), and Anthony Dolan Hairston (Doria); and his grandchildren, Patrick Hairston Jr., Caris Elaine Hairston Hahn, Lauren Austin (Galloway) Gibson, Crystal Elizabeth Galloway (James), Colette Hairston, Moriah Hairston, Adrienne (Hairston) Trattnor, and Michael Hairston. He is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren.

Bill’s life was measured not only by the years he lived, but by the people he touched along the way—the family he loved, the young people he coached, the people he encouraged, the stories he shared, and the lessons he passed down.

His family will remember his quiet generosity, his perseverance, his love of a good story, his passion for sports, and his dedication to helping others.

The family would also like to express its sincere gratitude to the staff of Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson, South Carolina, where Bill spent his final days. He was treated with respect, dignity, and compassion, and his family is deeply grateful for the care he received.

As Bill, a veteran who proudly served his country, departed the facility for the final time, he was escorted out draped in the American flag. Throughout the halls, “Amazing Grace” and “Taps” were played in his honor. It was a deeply moving farewell and a fitting tribute to a man who had served his country so many years before.

Bill will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the family he leaves behind.

A Catholic Mass will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 161 N. Dean St., Spartanburg, SC.

A graveside service will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Inman, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.