William Samuel Hailey, Sr.

William Samuel Hailey Sr., 80, a devoted husband, loving father, faithful friend, and humble servant of Christ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith.

A funeral service will be held at 3pm Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Fair Funeral Home Chapel in Eden. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 2-3pm, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel. Burial and Military Honors will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Reidsville on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 11am. Military Honors will be given by the Rockingham County Veterans Honor Guards.

Born and raised in Eden, North Carolina, William was the son of the late C. Garland Hailey and Cornelia Thomas Hailey. He grew up surrounded by a large and loving family, including his brothers Neil, Buck, and Allen Hailey, and sisters Evelyn Earles, Frances Horsley, and Betty McGavisk.

William honorably served in the United States Army, including a tour in the Vietnam War. Though a veteran of conflict, he was known far more for his gentle spirit and ability to bring peace and comfort to those around him.

He was the beloved husband of Donna Endicott Hailey, with whom he shared a life of deep commitment and blended family joy. He was the proud father of Patty Hailey, Tommy Hailey, and William Hailey Jr. (Michelle), and a loving stepfather to Scott Shively (Jeff), Jennifer Strader (Andy), and Sara Smith (Johnny).

His greatest joys were his grandchildren: Beth Griffin (Kevin), Madisyn Campbell, Brandi Scott (Troy), Brandon Hailey, Felicity, Ethan, Connor Smith, Bethany Newman (Andrew), Allie Strader, and Andrew Strader—and his great-grandchildren: Jackson Griffin, and Kayleigh and Tanner Scott. He loved and cherished them all deeply.

He also brought humor and warmth to every family gathering—often referring to himself, with a smile, as the “favorite uncle” to his many nieces and nephews. His wit, laughter, and presence will be deeply missed.

William was a man of many talents and passions. An avid outdoorsman, he spent countless days fishing the cool mountain streams of Woolwine and Claudville, Virginia, often returning home with trout that would later feed family and friends at summer fish fry gatherings. His love of nature was matched by his love of sports—he was a pitcher for Trinity Wesleyan’s Men’s Softball Team, enjoyed golf, and remained physically active for most of his life. Even into his later years, he was known to complete 100 pushups a day with quiet discipline.

At the heart of William’s life was his unshakable faith. A long-standing and active member of Trinity Wesleyan Church, he led worship, sang in the choir, helped with facility maintenance, and offered his time wherever there was a need. Music was a vital part of his soul—whether singing hymns in church or humming along to Roy Orbison, Sam and Dave, or The Eagles at home.

A cancer survivor, William shared his story of healing as a testament to God’s power and grace. His faith never wavered, and he encouraged others through his words and, more importantly, by the way he lived.

William will be remembered as a man of integrity, humility, compassion, and strength. He was the spiritual rock of his family—a guiding light, steady and kind. His life leaves an indelible mark on all who had the honor of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor or memory of William to Trinity Wesleyan Church, 186 E Aiken Rd, Eden, NC 27288.