Harry Hairston, Jr.

Harry Hairston Jr. was born July 11, 1930, in the small town of Nuriva, West Virginia to Harry and Bertha Hairston Sr. He quietly passed away on July 11, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 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, West Virginia 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 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/aka/ 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 4-8pm. Funeral Friday, July 18, Mass of Christian Burial St. Paul Cathedral 10:00AM.

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