Wayman Robinson Hairston

Wayman Robinson Hairston was born in Greenwood, SC on June 11, 1943, to Eleanor Robinson Hairston and Virgil Hairston. In 1949 they moved to Greenville, SC along with his two older siblings Betty and Hogan.

Wayman graduated from Greenville Senior High School in 1961. After high school, he attended North Greenville College and later, took courses from Greenville Technical College and Clemson University despite being a lifelong Gamecocks fan.

Following his father’s footsteps, Wayman worked for the railroad. After having children he became an entrepreneur partnering in many businesses throughout the years. He had several golf-related businesses. He traveled the country selling tools. The longest-running business he had was in lawn care. In the lawn care business, he earned his Master Gardner Certificate and was a key proponent in starting the South Carolina Lawn Care Association, of which he was president for many years. In later years he worked for Georgia Parks as a campground host. This is where he was given the moniker “Rusty”. In his retirement years he rented a permanent spot at the Barn Yard Flea Market called “Rusty’s It’s a Crappie World” specializing in fishing tackle. He loved meeting and talking with all the customers and fellow stall renters there. 

Wayman was a very friendly man that never met a stranger. His pastimes were fishing, golfing, gambling and women. He was a dapper dresser and good dancer. His friendly demeanor put people at ease and made him easy to talk to. He made lots of friends and knew many people. Wayman had many close friendships that have lasted 40-60 years. The adventures the folks had could fill books. He quietly looked after many people over the years. He was a good neighbor and had great neighbors in return.

He loved his daughters and was very proud of them and his sons-in-law. He loved his grands and great-grands more than anything. He spoke of them often to anyone who asked about them.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Betty Elrod Spann, his niece Heather Hairston, his infant son, Paul Jason Hairston, and his best fishing buddy and partner in life a guy could dream of, our beloved “Grandma Brenda” Zapata.

Left here on earth with his memories are his daughters Melanie Davis (Micheal) and Melissa Mitchell (Greg), grandchildren Paul Mitchell (Natalie), Matt Mitchell, Grey Mitchell, Kennedy Davis, and Karson Davis; great-grand children Mary Blair Mitchell and Elliot Mitchell his brother C. Hogan Hairston, nephews Shawn Hairston, William “Bill” Elrod Jr., nieces Cyndi Kerns, Lesley Crozier, many great and great great nieces and nephews, life-long friends, wonderful neighbors, golfing and fishing buddies.

The family would especially like to thank his care companion Robbie Brashier for the wonderful care and compassion she provided our beloved curmudgeon over the last four years. We all know how stubborn he could be, which is a testament to your patience and kindness. Thank you!

The family would also like to thank and acknowledge the “Romeo” Club and the staff at Hardee’s at 108 E. Main St, Simpsonville. Without the open-faced Hardee’s gravy biscuit and the fellowship of the Romeo club, Wayman would not have lived the past 7 years since Brenda died. We thank you all for giving the ole curmudgeon a special place for fellowship. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Holly Ridge Baptist Church, 260 Adams Mill Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681, from 2-3 P.M. A visitation will be held one hour prior, from 1-2 P.M.