Mr. Joseph Elliott Hairston, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 81.

Mr. Hairston, a member of Covenant Community Church, was born on December 25th, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late James Joseph Hairston and Elsie Verlie Hairston.  He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and worked 30-years for AT&T and Bell South before retiring to the north Georgia mountains.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Jennifer Hairston; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Larry Wolfe; brother, James Hairston; 5 grandchildren, Jacob Hairston, Hannah Hairston, Isaac Hairston, Nate (Madeline) Wolfe, Joel Wolfe, and one great-granddaughter, Eris.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, at 2:00pm from the chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Fields officiating.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Safe Choice Pregnancy Care Center at 220 Sailors Dr. Ellijay, GA 30540.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of these arrangements.