Halifax County commissioners Monday honored a longtime Roanoke Rapids businessman and veteran who in November had been recognized in the Congressional Record for his service.

Kim Mack, district director for Congressman Don Davis presented Ronald Barnes, owner of Super Cut II, a framed copy of the speech the congressman made from the floor during National Veterans Small Business week in which the barber was the topic of his remarks.

Mack told the board, “When it came time to locate a local veteran small business owner and we were combing through the district, I said, ‘Ronald Barnes of Super Cut II.’ We went to his barbershop that morning and by night I was calling Mr. Ronald Barnes saying cut on C-SPAN and he was able to see the congressman deliver the one-minute speech live, all about him with a blown-up picture beside the congressman on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.”

The act by Davis means for Barnes, “His story is now on record with the United States Library of Congress. It also means that anyone in this room and for generations to come can go to the Library of Congress and learn about Ronald Barnes.”

The gallery photo includes a picture of Davis visiting Barnes at his barbershop

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Floor address

In his floor address, Davis said, “ … This week, we salute the brave men and women who have served our nation not only in uniform but also as small business owners.”

In making that salute, Davis said he wanted to “shine a light on a northeastern North Carolina business. In Roanoke Rapids, the barbershop Super Cut 2 embodies the spirit of precision and camaraderie.

“Owned by Ronald Barnes, a disabled veteran who dedicated seven years to the United States Army, his small business symbolizes an unwavering commitment to service. Barbers uplift the community, making people feel and look good.”

Said Davis:  “Mr. Speaker, let us remember the veteran-owned small businesses like 

Super Cut 2. They represent the spirit of service and resilience, and these are great contributors to communities across the nation.”

Thanks to Davis

With a large crowd of family, friends and customers in the audience, Barnes said, “I want to thank Don Davis and his staff for this honor. It’s a great honor. A lot of times we receive stuff like this at funerals. I appreciate this — my family, my wife, my beautiful kids that have been so great to me — I don’t deserve all this.”

Of his coworkers he said, “My coworkers are the best workers you can find anywhere.”

Vanessa Deloatch has been with the shop for 19 years, Antonio Boyd for 12 and Jaray Darden for 16. “I hope y’all can stay another 19 years. My customers, y’all have been great supporting my business over the years — I appreciate it.”

Thanks from a coworker and a customer

Darden presented a history of the business saying there was a changing of the guard in 1987 after Johnny Garner had opened “an establishment for the community to receive, guidance, assistance, a good haircut and above all else — love.”

Since that time, Darden said, “Our mission at Supercut has been predicated on this premise since its inception with the promise of treating people correctly and showing love. Vanessa Deloatch, Antonio Boyd and myself have had the privilege to work under the same conditions in which we too were able to thrive in.”  

Darden said, “Today and forever more we want to thank our leader, our guide and our friend for the high accomplishment. It’s due to the love he’s shown and the work ethic he possesses that we stand here today as a unit. A house divided will not stand. Neither will the best barbershop in the world. Ron, we love you and we just want to give you your flowers while you can still smell them.”

Donald Anthony, a customer, told the board, “I moved here from Ahoskie and Ron was one of the first people that I met and I’ve been friends with him ever since 30 years ago. During the loss and tragedy of my son, Ron stood in. He never forgot. He’s been with me ever since. He’s been more than a brother. My hat’s off to him. He said he didn’t deserve all of this but that’s not true. He’s an outstanding, fine young man.”