Every Cut Counts
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Syndi Pilar
Team Cobb
Story Summary
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Ron Harris, 81, has been a barber in downtown Kennett, Mo. for 62 years, and the owner of Harris Barber Shop for 57 years. He has seen Kennett go through many changes, recalling a past, when on Saturday nights, downtown Kennett was the place to be.
Harris is a father of two, a grandfather of five and a new great-grandfather of one. His wife passed away two and half years ago and he now lives alone.
The barber shop can see anywhere from 15 to 25 people a day — sometimes more, sometimes less. “Everyone here is like family,” Harris said. A diverse clientele from all walks of life come in for haircuts, conversation and camaraderie.
Even at 81, Harris still works five days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On his free days, twice a week, he spends much of his time in his wood shop making wood furniture, bowls, duck call whistles or whatever else catches his fancy. It is a hobby he has been doing for decades. When asked when will he retire he replied, “Two days before my funeral.”
For Harris, the shop is a welcome solace to being at home alone.
Ron Harris enjoys a quiet moment in his back yard with his cat, “Fluffy,” at his home in Kennett, Mo. Except for his cat, Harris lives alone.
Ron, owner of Harris Barber Shop, puts on his barber’s shirt as he gets ready to open for the day. The store opens at 8 a.m. everyday except Wednesday and Sunday.
Customers sit in silence and wait for Ron to cut their hair.
Al Purvis relaxes as Ron trims his hair. Al said he has been coming to the Harris Barber Shop for as long as he can remember.
Ron puts a cape on the last customerof the day.
Ron greets his friend Brian Davis, 50, visiting from Memphis, Tenn. Brian’s parents live nearby in Campbell, Mo., and have going to the Harris Barber Shop for years.
Ron, a “staunch Southern Baptist”, says he is an independent voter, but is a “Trump Man.” He is proud of the Trump memorabilia that can be found throughout the shop.
Morning light shining through the storefront window.
Ron sweeps up hair at the end of the day before closing his shop.
Ron Harris, sits down for a dinner alone on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024 at McCormick’s Family Diner in Kennett, Mo. He looks forward to their chicken and dumpling special every Thursday.
After a long day on his feet, Ron settles into his easy chair to relax. Harris checks up on his email and watches TV to unwind at night.
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