William Calvin Hairston - Obituary

illiam Calvin Hairston, Jr., affectionately known as “Tickle” was born in Gary, West Virginia, to William Calvin Hairston Sr. and Cordelia Swanson, on September 9, 1942. He attended Gary District High School and lived with his grandparents after his mom passed away at the age of 15. He later moved to Washington, D.C., at the age of 21. He really was fond of his neighborhood, as he resided in the S.E. area, until he departed this life at 76. William was an excellent dancer and was always known for having smooth dance moves. Friends and family recall how he would “get down low” on the dance floor, and win all the dance contests at the family reunions, cookouts, and holiday celebrations. It was always an entertaining party watching him dance, truly enjoyed by all of his friends and relatives. He was stylish, coordinated from head to toe, eye-catching in appearance. William was an excellent carpenter, and could build anything with his hands. Not only did he use his creative mind to build things for others, he was constantly building and repairing items in his apartment home. His talent for building was showcased when he built a platform wooden floor in his living room to elevate his furniture. Playing cards and traveling were two things that William really enjoyed. He especially loved to drive long distance to visit his relatives down south and eat some southern cooking. William leaves to cherish his memory, his longtime partner and girlfriend, Tina Thomas of Capitol Heights, MD, a sister Vanita Johnson (Ernest) of Washington, D.C., a sister Terry Hairston, of Forestville, MD, a son Kevin Hairston (Arlene) of Brandywine, Maryland, a son Jimmy Lucas of Washington, D.C., a daughter, Keisha Martiz of Washington, D.C., a daughter, Missy Lucas of Washington, D.C. Several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, great nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and relatives.