Longtime Grubbs Barber Butch Shelby Dies at 80

Shelby operated Butch's Barber Shop in his hometown for over 50 years before retiring.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:12pm

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John William "Butch" Shelby, a longtime barber in Grubbs, Arkansas, passed away on March 15, 2026 at the age of 80. Shelby operated Butch's Barber Shop, the oldest business in Grubbs, for 54 years before retiring to spend more time with his family. He was known for his engaging conversations, storytelling talents, and love of the Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas State Red Wolves.

Why it matters

Shelby's passing marks the end of an era for the small town of Grubbs, where he was a fixture in the community for over five decades. His barber shop was a gathering place for locals, and his friendly demeanor and community involvement made him a beloved figure in the town.

The details

Shelby opened Butch's Barber Shop in 1968 after graduating from Eaton's Barber College in Little Rock. He charged $1.50 for haircuts and continued serving customers until his retirement in 2022. Shelby was a longtime member of the Midway Church of Christ and an enthusiastic fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and Arkansas State Red Wolves. He also enjoyed collecting bottles as a hobby and had a love for Boston Terriers.

  • Shelby opened Butch's Barber Shop on July 3, 1968.
  • Shelby retired from the barber shop in 2022 after 54 years of service.
  • Shelby passed away on March 15, 2026 at the age of 80.

The players

John William "Butch" Shelby

A longtime barber in Grubbs, Arkansas who operated Butch's Barber Shop for over 50 years before retiring.

Nina Shelby

Butch Shelby's wife of 61 years.

Heath Shelby

Butch Shelby's son.

Angie Carlton

Butch Shelby's daughter.

Midway Church of Christ

The church where Butch Shelby was a longtime member.

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What they’re saying

“You're a good-looking thing, and I love you.”

— Butch Shelby

What’s next

Shelby's funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with interment following at Pennington Cemetery.

The takeaway

Butch Shelby's passing marks the end of an era for the small town of Grubbs, where he was a beloved figure and fixture in the community for over 50 years as the owner of the town's oldest business, Butch's Barber Shop. His friendly demeanor and community involvement made him a cherished part of the town's history.