Dwight Edward Hairston

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Boulevard
Conway, AR  72032
Saturday, June 18, 2022
1:00pm
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Boulevard
Conway, AR  72032
Saturday, June 18, 2022
2:00pm
Dwight Edward Hairston

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.

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8 Condolence(s)
Barbara Stafford
Little Roock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Certainly a life well lived!

Syble J. Eisenhauer
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Sunday, June 19, 2022

Sending loving prayers as you grieve for this very special person.

Valerie Frith
Perryville, AR
Liked
Saturday, June 18, 2022

Dwight always had a smile on his face and a gentle word in his heart... & usually a little humor to go with it. It was easy to see he was over the moon for Suzanne & his kids.. and oh my, those grands!! He was a kind man whom I consider myself to be very blessed to have known. May God give you all the peace & strength to go forward in these next few days, weeks & months. Suzanne I love you sweetheart, & I am holding you close in my heart. ♥️Val

Heather Castleberry
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 16, 2022

I’m so sorry for your loss! Praying for you Mrs. Suzanne and your family! Love you!

Nancy Hensley
Springfield, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 16, 2022

I was blessed to meet Dwight several times. Suzanne and I worked together for many many years, as well as with Chris. Dwight and the family were always a main topic between Suzanne and I daily at work. Through the many years I enjoyed all the conversations Suzanne and I had about Dwight’s adventures and his projects and love for his family. He was a very proud , kind , interesting and good family man . Prayers and love to the family.

James Smith
Vilonia, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 16, 2022

Dwight became a treasured friend after a chance visit years ago. He would prove his welding and neighborliness skills often by repairing broken metal parts and joining items that no other person would envision. He was not a respecter of proper ways. He would chop up a shiny tool if he thought it met a need. With Dwight nothing was junk or to good to use.

His farm stories were indeed the best.

I hate that his time ended so soon. He still had many plans with his family.

His obit has to be the most interesting one I’ve ever read. It was masterfully crafted to honor a life that deserved it.

May God’s comfort be felt by each .

Holly Turner-Hudson
Mayflower, AR
Liked
Thursday, June 16, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during these difficult days.

Robert or Tammy Peters
Bee Branch, AR
Liked
Wednesday, June 15, 2022

We are so very sorry for your loss. Words can not come close to making a person feel comforted, but trusting in the Lord will. I pray that He brings you comfort in the coming days. Dwight was a fine man and will me missed by many. Prayers for the familly.