Walter Hart started working at NCCU in 1953

Walter General Hart, the longtime operator of N.C. Central University's barbershop, passed away Jan. 22 at the age of 80. He died at Duke University Medical Center due to two ruptured brain anurysms.

With a career at NCCU spanning 50 years and an active involvement in his community, Hart’s friends and family are celebrating a life that was lived to the fullest.

“He was a happy, joking kind of guy,” said his wife, Izetta Tysor.

His longtime co-worker Yvonne Hendrix echoed the sentiment.

“He was funny,” she said. “But he also had a serious side.”

Hendrix recalls times when students couldn’t afford to get home or get food.

Hart would give them small jobs, like sweeping the barbershop floor, to earn their way.

“He helped out a lot of students,” she said.

Hart’s daughter Diane Hart-Ragin also admired this sense of duty.

“The thing I'll remember the most about daddy was his total commitment to his family,” she said.

Hart first came to NCCU after working as an instructor and manager at Bull City Barber College for 24 years.

In 1953 he began operating NCCU’s barbershop in Chidley Hall before it relocated to the Student Union.

Co-worker Ken Dula looks back on his years working with Hart with fondness.

“I’ll always remember his humor,” he said. “He was the kind of guy that would keep things lively.”

It was that sense of humor that made the shop a hangout for Durham locals and students alike.

“Did you ever see the movie ‘Barbershop’?” asked Hendrix.

“Well, they could’ve come in here and filmed it. It would’ve been cheaper.”

Though things at NCCU’s barbershop are running much like they did when he was living, Hart’s memory is still being kept alive.

“We’ll always miss his presence,” said Dula.