Ronald Hairrell, 73, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014, at his home in Winslow. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the First Baptist Church in Winslow. A light luncheon and potluck will follow at the Methodist Fellowship Hall.
He was born on Sept. 11, 1941, in Antlers, Okla., to Joey and Irene Hairrell, the oldest of their four children.
Ron was raised on a cattle and hog farm, and knew hard work from a very early age.
He graduated from high school in Clayton, Okla., in 1959, and from Oklahoma A&M in 1961.
Ron worked in logging, the hayfields, an appliance manufacturing plant and various other jobs until he moved to Winslow in early 1963 and hired out as a switchman for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad. In November 1963, Ron was drafted into the United States Army to serve his country.
He returned to Winslow to continue railroading and married his soul mate, Carol Thompson in August 1967. They raised two sons in Winslow.
Ron retired as a conductor from the BNSF railroad in 2002.
He enjoyed working with his hands and could build almost anything. He also followed Winslow High School sports, especially basketball, baseball, and softball. Ron restored 3 antique Chevrolet trucks and was known as the Chevy Man. He and Carol attended antique truck shows from coast to coast, and they also enjoyed traveling around in an RV. He had visited all of the states except Delaware.
Ron was a member of BPOE No. 536, Just Cruisin’ Car Club, Antique Truck Historical Society, Antique Truck Club of America and Northern Arizona Truck Club.
Survivors include Carol, his wife of 47 years; his sons, Byron of York, S.C., and Darren (Anna) of Winslow; his beloved grandson, Deacon; two brothers and one sister, Don (Linda) of Clayton, Doug (Nita) of Clayton and Tommie Ruth Hart (Dwain) of Albion, Okla.; and four nieces and two nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joey and Irene Hairrell.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Ron’s name to Hospice Compass, 1000 N. Humphreys St., Suite No. 220, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001, Bread of Life Mission, 885 Hermosa Drive, Holbrook, Ariz. 86025, or Winslow BPOE No. 536 Christmas Baskets.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of the arrangements.
