Mr. Raiford Leon Hairston, Sr. entered into eternal rest to be with the Lord our Savior on December 23, 2011.  He was born November 29, 1923 to the late Joseph and Carrie Hairston, the last of seven children.
Mr. Hairston was a World War II veteran, having served in France, Africa and Germany and was  decorated with the American Defense Service Medal, EAMET Campaign Medal, Bronze Service Star and WWII Victory Medal. He was a retiree of Lucent Technology (formerly Western Electric).
Raiford was married to the late Janie Mae Smith Hairston and from this union he is survived by six sons: James (Marcella) Smith, Ronda, Terry, Raiford Jr. (Arneita), Richard (Sharon) and Nathaniel Hairston of Charlotte, NC; three daughters, Marie Smith, Dorothy Story and Wanda (Collin, Sr.) Morrison, all of the city; thirty grandchildren, sixty-six great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by God-children, Lonnie & Eleanor Glenn; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, December 29, 2011 in the chapel of Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. The family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be held at Salisbury National Cemetery.