The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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| Rocky Mount barber has no plans to stop working |
Staff Photo by Stacey Hairston:
Herbert Bowling gives his partner, Billy Wayne Dudley, a haircut at Franklin Barber Shop. |
Monday, September 24, 2012
By STACEY HAIRSTON - Staff Writer
Herbert Bowling of Rocky Mount has been cutting hair in Franklin County for 57 years.
Bowling began his business in what is now Virginia Shoe and Lock Service on Franklin Street in Rocky Mount. He charged 75 cents for a haircut, he said.
Bowling has been at Franklin Barber Shop at 340 Franklin Street for the past 25 years.
Although the price of haircuts has changed considerably, Bowling's love of cutting hair has not.
"He (Bowling) is a workaholic," said his son Wes Bowling. "He enjoys cutting hair and the social interactions that comes along with it."
"I think he will continue his craft until he just can't do it anymore," he added.
When Bowling turned 80 last week, one of his patrons, Jim Ross of Henry, planned a surprise party for him with the help of Bowling's wife, Zilphia. The party was held in Bowling's barber shop, which was filled with family and friends.
"Herbert has been a wonderful friend to me and a man of great faith," said Ross. "I appreciate his service, and spending time with him has been a great experience."
Another guest at the party was Bowling's oldest sister, Diamond Boyd, who had plenty of nice things to say about her brother.
"Herbert is a wonderful brother," she said. "We never had to worry about anything. He always took good care of us."
Bowling was touched by all the well wishers at his party.
"Many thanks to my friend Jim Ross and my wife, Zilphia, for making this happen," he said.
Bowling and his wife have been married for 57 years. The couple has two sons, Gary and Wesley Bowling, and four grandchildren. |
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