Charles Madison Hairston, Sr. Obituary

Charles Madison Hairston, 81, of Albany, died Saturday, May 24, 2008 at his residence. Mr. Hairston was born in Marietta, GA on July 15, 1926, son of the late Madison Palmer and Susie Booth Hairston. Charlie was the loving and devoted husband of Sally McKay Hairston; they have been married for 57 years. He was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church where he served as Elder Emeritus, Elder, and Deacon. Mr. Hairston grew up and Rome Georgia and attended Berry Academy in Rome. He served in the Navy and was a WWII veteran after serving with occupation forces in Japan. He was a graduate of the Mercer University class of 1950 and served as Vice President and Treasurer of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Mr. Hairston was with Southeastern Mortgage Company for over 40 years and served as President/CEO and later retired as President and CEO of Banker's First mortgage banking units and finished his career on the board of First State Bank Mortgage. He served on the Board of Directors for the Albany Symphony and The Community Concert Association for over 20 years and serving as president on both boards in support of his love for classical music. Mr. Hairston was a 55-year member of the Dougherty County Kiwanis Club and served as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. He enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, classical music, boating and fishing at his lake house, building projects, and camping with his family when his children were growing up. Charlie will always be remembered for his warm smile, amazing endurance and strength, perseverance, and dignity even in his battle with health struggles, and that he always had reverence for the LORD. Survivors include his wife Sally McKay Hairston of Albany; two daughters, Sally Hairston Maphrus and husband Wofford Evans Malphrus, and Caree Hairtson Elder and husband Michael John Elder both of Albany; one son Charles Madison Hairston Jr. and wife Cathleen Swenson Hairston of Kennesaw; a sister Frances Hairston Watson and husband Clarence of Knoxville; a brother Byron Booth Hairston and wife Mary of Rome GA; 6 grandchildren; Cameron Evans Malphrus, James Christopher Malphrus, Sara Cathryn Malphrus, Lauren Amber Mathis, Ragan Elizabeth Elder all of Albany and Michael Kyle Hairston of Kennesaw ; one great-grandson, Cameron Evans Malphrus, Jr. of Albany, and a number of nieces and nephews. Mr. Hairston was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Janet Hairston Amason and her husband Lloyd. Those desiring may make memorials to Covenant Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 2126 W. Edgewater Dr. Albany, GA 31707.

Charles Madison Hairston, Sr. Obituary

July 15, 1926 - May 24, 2008