John Stafford Hairfield

Johnny Hairfield, 82, of Martinsville, VA, died peacefully, comforted by family, June 10, 2017 at his apartment in Fremont, Nebraska. After three and a half years, Dad finally is reunited with his beautiful bride in the paradise that is God’s kingdom. And they will be drinking their morning coffee together. Every morning. Forever. John (aka Pop) was born October 25, 1934, a native of Draper, NC, to the late Willie and Fannie Hairfield. He served in the US Army from 1954-56 beginning basic training in Kentucky and then was stationed at Camp Rucker in Alabama. He married Patsy Price in April 1954. After leaving the service he worked as a Claims Adjuster for two years, then worked at Chandler’s Pharmacy in Draper until being hired by Bill Frank at Sale Knitting Company in Martinsville, VA. He started in the Editing Department and retired as VP of Marketing. John is survived by his three sons, John Jr. (Robin), Michael (Barbara), Brian (Michelle), and daughter Amy Uehling (Scott), 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Also surviving is his niece, Beth Shelton (Tim). Pop was preceded in death by the love of his life, Patsy, his older brother Billie and wife Ruby. John began his battle with leukemia in 2007. Over the course of the next 10 years he would also face lung cancer and dementia. He rarely complained of his condition or circumstances. Through it all he was courageous and strong until the end. John inherited his inner strength, discipline and quiet elegance from his mother. It was well balanced by the infectious sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye he got from his father. He was a private man - he never wanted to be the star – he always allowed the spotlight to fall on others. He was a fierce competitor but that fire was hidden to the casual observer. During his last months of life, he was quietly trouncing his sons on the billiards table at his living facility with a small up-turned smile and a bit more bounce to his step (who knew he was good at pool as well?!). Many years ago, his grandkids were asking their Pop to complete a questionnaire about his early life and asked what he most enjoyed growing up. One persistent answer was “playing and having fun”. He loved to have fun whether it was watching his Washington football team, the Tarheels or his grandkids/great grandkids. He loved golfing (and, of course, had a trophy for a hole-in-one he made), a good vodka/soda with lemon, the beach, his wife, his many wonderful friends in Martinsville and good friends he had kept in touch with even as early as kindergarten. Our handsome father was loving, considerate, respectful, hard-working, God-fearing, honest, generous, and was successful at most everything he attempted. He was a humble southern gentleman from a small town who never forgot his heritage or his mission in life. We want to extend a special thanks to Sis and her family who for the past two and a half years have played such a vital and selfless role in all facets of our father’s care in Nebraska. Over the past 10 years countless friends, family members, physicians, specialists and other medical personnel have performed innumerable tasks and acts of kindness, initially to keep Mom and Dad together in their home then as we transitioned Dad to Nebraska and finally to an independent living facility. There are no words to adequately describe our gratitude to so many who have done so much. It’s been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Even more may be required to care for our parents as their lives play out on this earthly stage. We can never thank you enough. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to any organization working towards a cure for cancer or dementia. A celebration of John’s life will be held at Starling Avenue Baptist Church, Martinsville, VA on Saturday, July 8. The family will receive visitors beginning at 2 pm with the celebration service beginning at 3 pm. Ted Hopkins of Wilkerson Funeral Home, Reidsville, NC, will be overseeing arrangements. Please visit their website for more details, any changes to the service schedule and condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.