Thomas Hairston

Thomas Jenkins Hairston, 81, of Tuskahoma, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on November 18, 1944, in Gaffney, South Carolina, to Ruth Neal (Long) Hairston and Judson Clayton Hairston. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Arkansas for two years. Then he completed a trade school in the sheet metal construction industry. On December 31, 1965, Tom married the love of his life, Sherry Ryan. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion. Tom lived life with enthusiasm and a passion for adventure. His hobbies included motorcycles, off-road jeeping, competition handgun shooting, and all shotgun sports mostly Trap. Tom had a God-given ability to build or repair just about anything. Whether it was tractors, backhoes, construction equipment, vehicles, or houses, he approached every project with skill and determination. He found great satisfaction in lending a helping hand and was always willing to assist anyone in need. Tom faithfully served as the general manager and lead builder during the construction of the new sanctuary at Buffalo Valley Baptist Church. Working alongside many dedicated church members, he helped bring the vision to life, creating a place of worship that will stand as a lasting testament to his faith, leadership, and commitment to his church family. Tom was a kind, generous, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his strong work ethic, his sense of adventure, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness and generosity. He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Sherry Hairston of the home; his daughters, Gwyn Davis and husband, Graham, of Waxahachie, Texas, and Lynn Morgan and husband, Anthony, of Houston, Texas; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Kull and Raegan Kull; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and a host of dear friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Judson and Ruth Hairston; his daughter, Tina Marie Hairston; and his grandson, Tyler Blake Erwin. Tom's legacy of love, generosity, hard work, and service to others will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 12:00PM to 1:30PM at Buffalo Valley First Baptist Church in Buffalo Valley, Oklahoma. 4152 SE Hwy 63 Talihina, OK 74571. Services will follow at 2:00PM with Bro. TJ Willingham officiating. Interment will take place at Little Bethel Memorial Park Cemetery in Duncanville, Texas on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11:00AM. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

Thomas Hairston

November 18, 1944 - July 24, 2026