Wallace Hicks Jr.

Wallace Hicks Jr. (AKA "Joseph the Barber" , "Cool Joe","THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMES", but most fondly as "Junie" by his siblings). Wallace was born July 19, 1950 in Gulfport, Mississippi to the late Gladys and Wallace Hicks, Sr. He was the first son and eldest of 13 siblings born to this great union. Wallace started cutting hair at the tender age of 15. Initially cutting hair for his friends and classmates to earn extra money. He was such a gifted barber that he began working at Johnny Ray's Barber Shop at 18 years of age in Gulfport, Mississippi and Sanders Barber Shop at 22 years of age In Portland Oregon. Wallace later worked at Wonder Bread Bakery for over 15 years, he chuckled that he needed good medical, dental and retirement. Wallace later worked at Digger O’Dells as Sous Chef and found another interest, his love of cooking. Wallace also worked at Joe's Place which later became(Solaes') as Head Chef and then later at Moon Star and the 1222 night club for a brief stint. But his true passion was cutting hair, making people "look their best" he would say, he didn't want you to look like a "joop de bloop". He continued honing his skill as a barber and attended Moler Barber College. He was a professional and enjoyed creative design, an approach not appreciated at some colleges so he went on to carve his own path and created his own customer base. Most know him as "Joseph the Barber" He truly has cut almost everyone's hair in Portland! He will be greatly missed, and leaves many memories that will be cherished by his partner Jackie White, his son Karay Lathan, his Sisters Henretta Browning, Amelia Edwards, Zerelda Aliano, Gladys Hicks, Eunice Talley, Susie Perry and Brothers Jonathan Hicks, Lorenzo Hicks, Derrick Hicks and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.