‘Time to head to the farm’

Fresh out of the 1965 class of the Tallahassee Barber College, Euliss Locke went to work at the City Barber Shop in Graceville. On December 22, Locke will hang up his cape for the last time in 56 years to head into a life of retirement. 

Locke is a lifelong resident of Washington County, where he is a former school board. He is also a charter member of New Life Assembly of God Church, where he and his wife, Luwana, are still active parishioners. 

Over the course of more than five decades, Locke has seen and done all the different styles of cuts but says his favorite is the first-time haircut. 

“I have always enjoyed giving children their first haircut,” said Locke. “Sometimes, they will throw a fit, and other times, they sit like they have been getting a haircut for years. No matter how it happens, I get so much joy from giving the first cut.”

Long-time customer Martin Viers came to the shop to get his last cut from Locke this week.

“I’ve been using Euliss since 1975,” said Viers. “I have moved away a couple times, but I always come back here. My kids and grandkids have all had their hair cut here. We are sad to see him leave.” 

Viers added that he comes back because he never has to say anything, Locke just knows what he wants, and he does a great job, every time.

Locke says he has some families that have been coming to see him for five generations. 

“I have cut the hair of many people in my time,” said Locke. 

“Being able to have four and five generations of families come to my shop is a blessing. I’ve been able to watch kids grow up and bring their kids to me. It is humbling.”

At 80 years old, Locke says its time to “head to the farm,” where he will spend his days fishing, tending to his cows, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren McKenzie and Tucker.

City Barber Shop will not be permanently closing its doors, however. When Locke closes the door on December 22, they will remain closed until January 3, at which time Deonne Myrick will pick up the scissors from Locke. 

Locke says he is thrilled to have Myrick take over the shop and encourages folks to continue to go to City Barber Shop.

For those who would like to stop by and visit or a haircut, Locke will keep his regular hours of Monday – Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until December 22. 

“With the good Lord’s help, my customers are the secret to my decades of success,” said Locke. “They all have brought me so much joy. Stop in and see me before I go, even if you don’t need a trim.”