Billy Bankston Retires: “A Good Career in a Good Town”

Billy Bankston has been proudly cutting hair in Barnesville for sixty-four years. Still, after decades of serving his clients, Billy has exchanged his clippers for a fishing rod and retired. After ending his remarkable career in December 2024, Billy reflected on a lifetime of memories, friendships, and a legacy that will continue through his son, Dan Bankston, who now carries the family tradition forward.

Longtime residents of Barnesville may fondly remember Billy Bankston Sr., the original barber in the Bankston family and owner of the well-known Bankston’s Barber Shop. It was under his father’s guidance that Billy Jr. first picked up the clippers. When he was just 16 years old, Billy’s dad encouraged him to get his barber’s license so he could work part time in the shop. “It was an opportunity for a teenage boy to make money,” Billy remembered, a decision that would shape the course of his life and career.

Learning the Trade

Billy began his journey by attending the Moler Barber School and staying with his aunt in College Park for three months while he completed his training. After a 1,500-hour apprenticeship with his father, Billy passed the state test and earned his Master Barber’s license.

So in 1960, Billy started working with his father at Bankston’s Barber Shop. He recalled being a nervous novice, but later became more confident in his skills. What started as a part-time job for a teenage boy soon turned into a passion. “After getting over my nervousness, I realized I liked what I was doing,” Billy shared. The barbershop became more than just a workplace—it was a place to connect with friends. Among Billy’s first customers was his childhood friend and classmate, Jimmy Matthews.

The Hair Hut Era

After spending 15 years working alongside his father, Billy Jr. set out on a business venture of his own. In 1974, he began taking courses in women’s hairstyling to broaden his abilities, preparing for the launch of his own shop, The Hair Hut. Billy also competed in state hairstyling competitions, once earning an impressive third-place finish out of 40 competitors.

At The Hair Hut, Billy built a loyal clientele. The shop initially operated on what is now Veterans Parkway, but over the years, it relocated twice—first to a location behind the Barnesville-Lamar County Library in 1998 and later to Market Street.

In 2016, Billy’s son, Dan Bankston, joined him at The Hair Hut, carrying on the family tradition that began with his grandfather. Working side by side, Billy and Dan served the community together, much like Billy had done with his own father. For Billy, it was a source of pride to see Dan learning the craft and developing his own skills. Together, they ensured that The Hair Hut continued to thrive while honoring the legacy of Bankston barbers in Barnesville.

Final Chapter of a Great Career

This paved the way for Dan to take the reins of Billy’s business in 2018. He moved the shop down the street and rebranded the business, adding a name with a touch of nostalgia—Bankston’s Barber Shop and Salon. For Billy, it was a full-circle moment, having begun his career at Bankston’s with his father and now ending it at a shop bearing the same name with his son.

As the years have gone by, a lot has changed since Billy first began wielding the clippers. For one, haircuts cost $1.00 when he first began his career, and state regulations are now much more extensive. Billy also witnessed countless shifts in hairstyle trends in his 64 years in the business. “My specialty was flat tops due to the many students at Gordon Military College,” Billy shared. “Eight hundred young students had to get a haircut weekly.” Surely the Gordon cadets kept young Billy busy.

It did not matter who was in Billy’s chair. His goal was to treat his customers well. “I gave each client my full attention. I took pride in my work,” Billy reflected. Billy’s career was celebrated at a retirement party on December 31 at Bankston’s Barber Shop and Salon.

Billy’s Reflections and Retirement Plans

Billy gained much wisdom from his profession. “My career taught me that all people are different, but most have good hearts.” Billy also appreciates all the friendships he has developed over the years.

What are Billy’s plans now? He is determined to reel in a 60-pound striper in Tennessee. To close, Billy looks forward to traveling with Rhonda, his wife, and spending time with his grandson.

Billy summed up his legacy and career by focusing on his gratitude, stating, “The Lord has blessed me with a good career in a good town, and I’ve lived long enough to see my son follow in my footsteps.”