03/27/2024
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By Erin Smith

A longtime Bladen County Educator, former Superintendent, and friend to many people who knew him, will be missed. Mr. William J. Hair of Elizabethtown passed away on Wednesday morning.

In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time on the family farm, enjoyed time with his family and taking part in numerous community activities. 

Mr. William J. Hair, 92, grew up in the White Oak community and served honorably in the US Navy before retuning home to Bladen County. He served as Superintendent of Bladen County Schools for a number of years including the period of desegregation of the schools. 

Ricky Leinwand, owner of Leinwand’s Department Store, said, “He was just a great man that cared about the kids.”

Leinwand said Hair served as Superintendent in 1971 when he graduated from high school. Mr. Hair and, Ricky Leinwand’s father, Wallace Leinwand, grew up together and were good friends over a number years. 

“He just cared about the community,” said Leinwand.

William Thompson of Thompson Small Engine Repair in Elizabethtown said Hair was a longtime member of the Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club.

Hair was a member of the Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club for 60 years and has held every position in the club. 

Thompson said, “He was a  good man. We (the Kiwanis Club) are sure going to miss him.”

You can read more about Mr. Hair in our The Times, The Towns, The Tales series found at https://bladencounty.org/the-times-the-towns-the-tales-growing-up-in-white-oak/

Arrangements for Mr. Hair are as follows:

A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 24th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Elizabethtown Christian Activity Center (CAC), followed by services held at the Elizabethtown Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. and a burial with full military honors at Elizabethtown City Cemetery following the funeral services. The family will receive friends at the family home, 138 Coley Road, Elizabethtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina of Lake Waccamaw or the Lower Cape Fear Hospice.

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