If you were getting a haircut in Yazoo City, there was a good chance you headed over to Shipp’s Barber Shop on Grand Avenue.
Along with a haircut, owner Mac Shipp gave you plenty of conversation and a few laughs. Even when he closed his barber shop, locals still talked about their time spent within its walls.
The beloved barber passed away last Tuesday. For about 40 years, he was known as “the barber in Yazoo.” But he was also a loving family man, loyal friend and devoted community servant.
Shipp was married to Gail Ship for 54 years before his passing. They raised a family, owned a business and gave back to their community whenever they could.
Before he owned and operated his own barber shop, Shipp, 78, served in the United States Navy from October of 1960 to October of 1964. Upon returning home, he also worked as a firefighter in Yazoo City.
Shipp eventually headed to Jackson Barber College in 1967, and he would own his own operation for about 40 years. In 1988, he opened his barber shop on Grand Avenue.
Shipp hired the first female barber in Yazoo City when he welcomed Linda Saxton to his shop. She worked for him for about 21 years.
Aside from his business, Shipp loved hunting, fishing and gardening.
“He loved his garden and was always so proud of it,” said Gail.
Shipp was also known for his delicious food recipes, particularly his deer meat. He also had a deer processing business, another hobby he put his heart and soul into.
“Everyone loved his smoked sausage, hamburger meat, and his tenderized steaks,” Gail said.
Gail said she and Mac had known each other since high school and were together everywhere they went. They were also members of a bowling league, a hobby they enjoyed doing with each other.
“He had many games over 200, and I was always the straggler,” said Gail.
Gail said their lives changed when Shipp was diagnosed with pancreatic and stomach cancer. She said he first learned of his diagnosis about a month ago.
Although Shipp left this world suddenly, Gail said she will have the memories they created over the years.
And Yazoo City will always have “a barber man” story to share in his memory.
