Rickey Hairston, Sr

Rickey Hairston Sr. was born March 13, 1950, to the late William and Ella Hairston. Rickey was also known as Hustleman.

Rickey graduated from East High School in 1970 where he played football and they won State Championship that year. Rickey also received a football scholarship to Central State University. Rickey decided to attend Bliss College where he obtained an Associate Degree in Business Management. From November 1972 to July 1975 Rickey was active in the US Airforce, where he worked as a cook. When he returned, he worked for the State of Ohio for many years. Later opening his own business selling incense, oils, and custom jewelry. He was always trying to sell you something. He continued to love cooking and he loved to eat; his favorite dish was lasagna.

In 1984 Rickey was called to the ministry where he served under Apostle Fred Sanders Sr. from 1984 – 1993 and Apostle William Latta from 2006 – present. Rickey loved to garden. Some of our greatest memories will forever be him speaking highly of his father all the time and going fishing. Not to mention his ability to make the entire room laugh. His favorite lines were, “Don’t make me mad cause I tell everything!”, and “You like fine wine, you get better with time.” He was also known for his quick wit and his favorite teams were Ohio State and Cleveland Browns. He loved his family and children. He found joy in being his comical-independent self! And we all know he loved being flirtatious. He will be missed.

Rickey is preceded in death by both of his loving parents, William and Ella Hairston; brothers, William, Raymond, Norman, and Kenneth Hairston; and sisters, Lillian Shaw and Janet Carreker.

Rickey is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Hairston; children, Rickey (Sheena) Hairston, Jr., Rishena (Tonie) Graham, Rita (Hairston) Ragland, Jeanine Skipper, and DaShawn Starnes Sr. all of Columbus, Ohio; grandsons, Hezekiah, Coi, Elijah, Bryson, Aden, Khyree, and DaShawn Jr.; granddaughters, Aubre, Kaleigh and Madison, Chloe; sisters, Audrey Hairston, Joyce Graham, Nancy Burkes, Sandra Hairston, and Patty Lusk; brothers-in-law, Michael and Jeffery Alexander; best friend, Eric Harper; and a host of other close cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, church family, and friends.

Visitation 10:00am and Funeral 11:00am Monday, March 14, 2022 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.