Wilson Barber Shop should be filled with loyal clients as the shop celebrates its 50th anniversary this month.
Instead, the windows are dark and there’s a note on the front door to inform customers that the shop is temporarily closed.
The shop’s owner, Jim Wilson, is currently recovering from triple bypass surgery.
He was transported to Cleveland Regional Medical Center on Feb. 2, and he was then transferred to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte for the surgery Feb. 7. He spent five days in the Intensive Care Unit and is still recovering in Charlotte.
“He’s doing pretty good,” said his wife, Doris Wilson.
She said that while Jim is showing progress, his heart rate is still out of rhythm when he gets up and moves around. He will not be released until his heart rate is constantly steady, and he may have to spend time in rehab before returning home.
Doris plans to reopen the barbershop when Jim is discharged from the hospital.
Half-century of cutting hair
Jim started his career as a barber in 1959 at Dub’s Barber Shop, but after four years, he decided to open his own place and has worked there ever since.
“He just enjoys doing it,” Doris said. “You’ve got to make a living.”
“I’ve been cutting hair with him for 35 years,” she said. “We haven’t decided to retire yet.”
The Wilsons’ daughter, Mitzi, also worked at the barbershop for 10 years.
The family doesn’t keep specific records of numbers of clients, but according to Doris, “there’s quite a few.”
Jerry Wright is just one of the shop’s faithful clients. His wife, Cindy, said she was deeply saddened to hear Jim was in the hospital.
“We are hoping for a very speedy recovery and we would love to see them both right back in their barbershop fast, right where they belong, before all the old boys in Shelby become long-haired hippies,” she said.
Reach Star intern Jeanie Groh at 704-669-3333.