David A. Hairston's Obituary
David Andrew Hairston, known to friends as “Dave,” passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2018. He was born to Dorothy A. Stover (Doby) and John W. Hairston, (J.W.) in Washington, DC. A native of Washington, DC he received his formal education from the District of Columbia Public Schools.In David’s younger years he had developed a liking for different musical instruments such as the sax, guitar and drums. He was an avid lover of Jazz, and Contemporary Jazz. Like his father J.W., he also enjoyed the deep traditional vocals and musical compilations of Blues. David enjoyed and played instruments during his adult years as well as his youth. As a youth, David new early that his connection with music was great. As a teenager he left his home in Washington, DC and followed his love of music joining his cousin Andrew Hairston in California. David’s love of music led him to the sounds of psychedelic soul. David played on many circuits and opened for and played with great bands of the late 60’s and early 70’s. He commuted back and forth to the Washington DC area where he played local venues and played on a larger stage where he served as the opening act for greats such as “Sly and the Family Stone” for a number of years while living in in California.As David matured in life he set his sights on settling down and began to follow in his father’s footsteps. He went back to school earned his Master Barbers license and began to raise his family. He achieved his license as a Master Barber and went on to own, multiple Barber shops, as “Dave the Barber” to his accomplishments. David was always aspiring to help and give more of himself to those he loved. He always participated in charitable ventures, food drives and helping those in the community. He often used his own resources to support those I need.David served on the boards of numerous organizations, as he was a member of, The National Hairston Clan Inc. David along with his father, J.W. participated in developing, crafting and supporting the growth and expansion of the Hairston Clan, in their mission to connect family and continue the legacy, through community service and education. The many summers spent learning and understanding the kinship born of slavery and celebrating the strength of family through annual reunions, visits with family to the Cooloomee Plantation and the release of the book written of our family called: The Hairston’s: an American Family in Black and White, by Henry Weincek will never be forgotten.He is survived by his siblings: one sister, Delores Stover, Donald Stover (preceded in death), Derrick and Daniel. David has a host of nieces and nephews. David came from a very large family as his mother was the last of 21 children. No doubt he was raised by a village and he was extremely close to his brothers. David also had many cousins he was very close to also. David had four children. He doted on and was exceptionally proud of his daughter Shelina for her drive, determination, strong will, compassion for other and heart of gold. He also had two sons, Yah Ya and Dartanyon and a 2nd daughter, Brianna.David also had a love for dogs and treated them like humans. David, my brother whom I will miss and love passionately. With tears in my eyes, I ask, David why did you leave me, and us so soon.To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time please visit David’s memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign his guestbook.
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