Colonel Macarthur Hairston
Colonel MacArthur Hairston, 83, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Trellis Supportive Care. He was born on August 18, 1942, in Henry County, Virginia, to the late Cornel Pete Hairston and Mary Morris Hairston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his previous wife, Shantina Hairston and beloved daughter, Cynthia Yvette Hairston.
Colonel was a proud graduate of George Washington Carver High School, Class of 1961. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with dignity and discipline values that shaped his military career and guided his life within the community. Upon returning home, he worked for many years as a welder and later retired from Microfibers after a long and dedicated career. In his leisure time, he found joy in music, often singing and playing the piano, and he also enjoyed farming, gardening, and relaxing while watching his favorite westerns.
Colonel leaves behind, his loving wife, Kathy Transou Hairston of the home; four children, Vincent Welcome of Orlando, FL, Anthony (Renea) Hairston of Roanoke, VA, Chere (Jerome) Martin of Martinsville, VA, and Shawndredi I. Hairston of Winston Salem, NC; two stepchildren, Carlos Transou (Lauren) of Clemmons, North Carolina and Antonio Transou (April) of Boone, North Carolina; 20 grandchildren, Isaac Gilbert, Kelly Roberts, Kiara Dixon, Joshua Martin, Aaron Martin, Vionn Welcome, Vance Welcome, Vonti Welcome, Vaeln Welcome, Latoya Anderson, Jeremy Lewis, Destynea Payne, Aerianna Payne, Asher Payne, Malachi Payne. Carolos M. Transou II, Raelyn M. Transou, Isabella R. Transou, Desmond A. Transou, and Zeke M. Transou; 8 great grandchildren, 13 siblings, Leth (Marian) Hairston, Elaine Foster, Brenda (Donnell) Taylor, Vernon (Lovey) Hairston, Lydia Faye Hairston, Opheila Norman, Hosea (Kennetta) Hairston, Van Julius (Tracy) Hairston, Zyrus Hairston, Tamera Renee (Derek) Strawn, Fernanda (Cornel) Martin, Troy (Nada) Hairston, Elliott (Evora) Hairston; along with many nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends who will miss him deeply.
The funeral service to honor Colonel’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at The Greater International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Inc. – “The Assembly Building,” at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor C.J. Martin, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will take place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 1:30pm at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bassettfuneralservice.com.Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Hairston family.
