22-03-2025
Fire claims family-owned barbershop in White Hall after 62 years of business
WHITE HALL, Ark. – A beloved family-owned barbershop in White Hall, a fixture for six decades, was engulfed in flames last Wednesday, leaving its owners grappling with the loss.
'It's just kind of a tragedy seeing his legacy almost go up in flames and knowing that we couldn't take anything away from it but the memories,' Larry Maxey's granddaughter Morgan Riggins said.
The fire, which is still under investigation, does not appear to have been caused by any external grass fire.
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For the owners, the blaze marks the loss of years of history and a significant part of their family's legacy reduced to ashes.
'We had been gone maybe close to an hour and we were told that it was on fire,' Francis Lynch said.
Lynch co-owns Larry Maxey's Barbershop with her sister, Tammy Hulse.
The barbershop, which was founded by their father Larry Maxey in 1964, has been a cherished spot for the family and their community.
'He started cutting hair when he was 17,' Lynch recalled.
She noted that her father barbered for 43 years before passing away from a battle with cancer.
'I got the privilege of working with him for about 13 years,' Francis said.
She took over the shop in 1991, with Hulse joining her in 2001.
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The establishment was not just a business, it was a sentimental place where generations of families celebrated milestones.
'Well, all the grandsons got their first haircuts here,' Hulse said. 'Many people in the community had their first haircuts here too, hundreds.'
In the wake of the tragedy on March 12, the community has rallied around the family, offering assistance and support.
'We thank everybody because we have really gotten a lot of help and a lot of people asking what they can do,' Hulse said.
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Despite the heartbreaking loss of irreplaceable memorabilia, including cherished photographs and the tools of their father's trade, Lynch and Hulse are determined to keep their father's legacy alive.
'Actually, we are right up here, right up the road and hope to be open soon,' Hulse said.
As they look ahead, the family remains dedicated to honoring the memory of Larry Maxey and ensuring that his legacy continues to shape the community he loved for decades.
To learn more about their story or ways to help visit their Facebook page.
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