William E. Hairfield

William Edward “Eddie” Hairfield passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Born to Willie M. Hairfield and Bessie V. Wolfrey on March 1, 1937, Eddie was a longtime resident of Burtonsville, Maryland.

On June 1, 1956, he married the love of his life, the late Lillian Jeanette Musgrove. Together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on family and love. Eddie is survived by his three children: William E. Hairfield, Jr. (Millie), Laura Nicholls (Robert), and Julie Newton. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren: Wendi Herod (Jeremy), Daniel Hairfield, Andrea Punte (Bruce), Tyler Ulsch, Alyssa Newton, and Paige Newton. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Everly Punte, Delilah Dillon, Jackson Herod, and Nova Punte. In addition, Eddie is survived by his two brothers, Jerry Hairfield and Larry Hairfield.

Eddie’s lifelong career with horses began at the age of 15 under the guidance of a teacher and mentor, Sam Kirk, who taught him the art of exercising racehorses. Several years later, he became a jockey and rode professionally for a brief time, earning his first victory at Sunshine Park in Florida. Over the years, Eddie developed a reputation as one of the finest racehorse exercisers. In his thirties, he transitioned into horse training, where he enjoyed a highly successful and rewarding career, training numerous winners and earning the respect of many throughout the racing community. Spending the majority of his career at Laurel Race Track and alongside his friends and family, Eddie enjoyed building relationships, working, racing, and celebrating victories. When not at the track Eddie could be found working around his 7 acre farm in Burtonsville, watching the races on live TV, or enjoying the day from his front porch alongside his late wife, friends, and neighbors.

Those who knew Eddie knew him as genuine, authentic, honest, and full of integrity. He was a true friend to many, never hesitating to strike up a conversation with a stranger or share stories around his kitchen table. Eddie never took life too seriously and found joy in making others laugh. Whether he was dancing around his kitchen, through the barn shed row, or possibly a grocery store aisle, he was often moving to oldies-but-goodies, or simply to the music playing in his head. His humor, kindness, and ease for life left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Eddie was deeply loved by his late wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.