The Catholic community across Georgia and North Carolina continues to remember the life and service of Matthew Randolph Hair, who died on September 3, 2021, at age 32 from complications related to COVID-19. Hair passed away at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, leaving behind a legacy defined by faith, mentorship, and a deep commitment to serving young people.
Born in Charleston and later raised in Hendersonville, Hair’s life was shaped by his devotion to faith and community. He initially attended North Carolina State University, where his involvement in Catholic campus ministry helped spark a calling to serve the Church through youth leadership. During this time, he helped establish a Knights of Columbus council, demonstrating early leadership within the Catholic community.
Hair later transferred to Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he earned a degree in theology and catechetics in 2014. Friends and colleagues say his years there deepened his commitment to ministry through mission trips, youth mentorship, and spiritual formation programs.
After graduating, Hair served as a youth minister at Sacred Heart Catholic Church before eventually moving to Dahlonega. There, he worked at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church while also serving as campus minister at the University of North Georgia. Colleagues recall his ability to connect with students and encourage them to explore their faith through service and community.
Beyond ministry, Hair was known for his love of sports, cooking, and volunteering. Family members say he cherished fly fishing trips with relatives and spent years volunteering with charitable programs such as the Bounty of Bethlehem Christmas outreach in North Carolina.
Community members describe Hair as someone with a “servant’s heart,” a phrase often used to capture his dedication to helping others. In the years since his passing, friends and parishioners have continued to support youth ministry initiatives inspired by his work.
Hair is survived by his parents, Randy and Laureen, his sister Bethany, and extended family members. His family has encouraged donations to youth ministry programs at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, continuing the mission he cared so deeply about.