Bill Downey retires after 62 years

Bill Downey has retired after 62 years at Downey’s Barber Shop on Clay Street, near Hope.

“I moved in before they finished building the building,” said Downey.

It was September of 1962 when Downey went out on his own and moved into the shop. A regular haircut cost $1.25.

“A flat top was $1.50. We did a lot of flat tops,” said Downey.

Bill’s wife, Dean, is also retiring after almost three decades working in the pharmacy at Walmart.

“I’m going to do whatever she tells me to do,” joked Downey when asked what he was going to do with his free time.

Downey was cutting hair at a shop downtown when the Clay Street location was being built.

“They told me it was too far out there. No one would drive all the way out there for a haircut,” said Downey.

But they did. 62 years later Downey is still working four days a week. His last day was Friday, March 31, 2023.

On his last day, an endless stream of regulars, family and friends showed up to bring him gifts, wish him well and enjoy some cake and cookies.

His son, Todd Downey, will continue the family tradition of cutting hair at their Clay Street location.