of Conway, AR

February 22, 1947 - June 7, 2022

Dwight Edward Hairston, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in the early hours of June 7, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Almos and Oleta Hairston; his sister, Virginia Sublett; his brothers, Theo, Cecil ("Such") and Howard Hairston; and his daughter, Teresa Hairston. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Suzanne Hairston; his sons, Scott (Megan) and Chris Hairston; his grandchildren, Quaid and Carmen Hairston; his sisters, Juanita (Don) Taylor and Evelyn and Jane Hairston; his aunt, Lessie (Coy) Glover and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dwight was born in Conway on February 22, 1947, and grew up in the Lollie Bottoms of the Arkansas River. He was determined to plow the fields with his father at the tender age of nine, despite a sagacious warning that such work might not be as fun as he imagined, especially when his friends were heading to the quarry for a swim. As an adult, Dwight owned an excavation business, driving dump trucks, bulldozers, backhoes and loaders, clearing lots, digging footings and laying foundations.

But he remained a farmer at heart. In his retirement, Dwight tended a garden and tinkered in his shop, but he most enjoyed restoring and showing old International Harvester tractors and fashioning small-scale versions. He constructed a working combine and road grader out of scrap metal and spare parts. And when he was in his mid-60s, he made a miniature farm (mostly out of discarded lumber and other repurposed bits) as a playground for his beloved grandchildren, complete with a chicken coop, mule-drawn cart, hay-loft barn and functioning outhouse. It was such a remarkable replica, strangers would often stop by to take pictures of it.

Dwight was a talented craftsman; creative, perceptive and meticulous, qualities rooted in deeper aspects of his character: the wisdom and humility of farm life. He was an exceptionally hardworking man, who showed his kids the value of an honest day's labor, the discipline of finishing what you start, and the lasting significance of a job well done. His work ethic was truly inspiring.

But he always made time for his family, and he definitely knew how to have fun. Dwight enjoyed cross-country motor-home vacations, full of antics. He was a natural storyteller, with a rustic flair for the comedic. His family never tired of hearing tales from his childhood, which, even on their hundredth telling, never lost their good-natured humor and charm. These stories sometimes began with a curious maxim, such as "Never buy a mule that's sweatin'."
Dwight was not a learned man, but he fostered a love of learning in his children: "make a living with your brain, not your back", he regularly intoned. His two sons, Scott and Chris, became English teachers, and his daughter, Teresa, at one point pursued a teaching degree in mathematics.

Dwight was kind, generous and trustworthy, always there, at a moment's notice, to help someone in need. His parents, Almos and Oleta, planted in him a strong sense of neighborliness. He was quick to lend a hand to coworkers, cousins and even mere acquaintances, never expecting any special recognition for doing the right thing, much less remuneration. All this deeply impressed his kids, who regarded him as a role model of dependability, selflessness and loyalty. As they got older, they frequently sought his counsel, as it seemed their dad could fix anything. In many ways, he was their hero.
Dwight adored his grandchildren, Quaid and Carmen, who called him "Papa" and "Poppie," respectively. They brought him so much joy, life-preserving joy, over the last few years, when he suffered back pain so severe that he could barely walk, or even stand. Their blooming love renewed his strength.

And, above all, Dwight cherished his wife, Suzanne, his soulmate. He was her "safe place"; and she, his guiding light. For over fifty years, they cultivated a loving home, through the various seasons of life. Their laughter, affection, self-sacrifice and unfailing devotion, embody for their children and grandchildren the faith and hope of love.

Dwight Hairston will be laid to rest at Round Mountain Cemetery. A celebration of his life will take place at 2:00pm, on June 18, 2022, at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, with the Reverend Mike Hairston officiating. Visitation will be held at the same location during the hour preceding the service.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com