Donald O. Brown, also known to many as “Don the Barber,” passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Winston-Salem, NC, November 10, 1942, he is survived by his wife of 65 years Ann Brown; daughters Shirley (Austin) Dutcher and Chriss (Shelly) Brown, sons Paul O. Head, Jr. and Matthew Head; granddaughters Katie (Scott) Perdue, Sarah (Jeffrey) Doughty, and Araylin Tran Head; seven great-grandchildren, Asher, Hayes, Emory & Davis Perdue, and Riley, Jase & Luke Doughty; sisters Brenda and Jane Brown; and brother Terry Brown. He is pre-deceased by three brothers — Kenneth Ashley, Harry Brown and Paul O. Head, Sr.
Don and Ann were married Feb. 12, 1960, moved to Jacksonville, Fla. in May 1960 where he graduated from the Florida Barber College in December 1962. He loved being a barber and said the people were always the best part of his job. Don opened his first barber shop in the Seaboard Coastline (CSX) building in 1967, then bought the first of three shops in the Beaches area in 1977. He treated every customer the same — with respect, open arms and a willingness to help anyone that needed something, including many free haircuts.
Don loved riding his BMW motorcycle and playing golf and traveling with Ann, the love of his life — oh, the many trips they took. He was most proud of his “Girls” and loved being a “Girl Dad.”
The family would like to recognize Mayo Clinic, especially Dr. Joseph Blackshear and Dr. Leslie Cooper, for their care of Don over the years.
Don’s Celebration of Life service will be held September 12, 2025, 11 a.m., at First Christian Church of the Beaches, 2125 Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. Please dress casual, as the service will be outdoors, weather permitting.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don’s name to his daughter Chriss’ nonprofit, The Empowered Kitchen, (TheEmpoweredKitchen.org) in Jacksonville, or the Two Titmice Foundation (TwoTitmiceVodka.com) in Jacksonville Beach.
