Sergeant First Class Willie B. Hairston Sr., US Army (Ret)

Sergeant First Class Willie B. Hairston Sr., U.S. Army (Ret.)

March 1, 1947 – February 11, 2026

Sergeant First Class Willie B. Hairston Sr., U.S. Army (Ret.), 78, of Black River, New York, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at Samaritan Keep Nursing Home, where he had been a resident.

Willie was born on March 1, 1947, in Lexington, North Carolina, the son of Berlin and Willie Mae Hairston. He graduated from high school in Lexington before proudly answering the call to serve his country in the United States Army.

During his distinguished military career, Willie served honorably for 20 years, retiring as a Sergeant First Class (E-7).  He also was a Vietnam veteran and respected noncommissioned officer stationed in Germany.  During his stint there, he met the love of his life, Beate Inhoven. Their marriage was blessed with devotion and partnership.  Together they built a life that carried them from Europe to the United States, eventually settling in Black River, New York.

Throughout his years of service, Staff Sergeant Hairston received numerous awards and commendations in recognition of his leadership, professionalism, and dedication. Among them were the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, and Sharpshooter Badge and other commendations recognizing his dedicated service. His career reflected discipline, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to those he led.

After retiring from the Army, Willie continued his service to the military community as a civilian employee at Fort Drum until his retirement in 2013.

Beyond his professional life, Willie was deeply devoted to both fellowship and community.  He was a 33rd Degree Prince Hall Mason, a member of the Paul J Cooper Military Lodge where he served as a Past Master. Willie served as Past Jefferson County Commander of American Legion and was a member of the American Legion in Black River Post 673 to which he served as Past Commander. Willie was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).  He loved spending time with his veterans and comrades.  Whether he was marching in parades, playing darts, and or just sharing a moment of laughter, he treasured those moments just as much as he did when he spent time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Hairston and her companion Michael Wakefield Sr. of San Antonio, Texas.  His grandchildren, Donovan Fisher, Armani Brown, and Michael Wakefield Jr. His son Willie B. Hairston, Jr. and his children.  His daughter Anita Knox and her children. His sisters, Brenda Curlee, Ardell Sloan, and Charlotta Gilley, along with great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beate Hairston, who passed away on February 11, 2017, as well as his parents, and siblings Yvonne Hall (twin), Calvin Hairston, Mary Hairston, and Johnny Hairston, and grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 21 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Hart & Bruce Funeral Home 117 N. Massey St., Watertown.  The funeral service with military honors will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.  The family will have a gathering following the service at the Black River American Legion from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Burial will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.hartandbrucefh.com.

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