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Although Philip Wright has been gone for 20 years, he remains in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him.  He was one of Hazard’s best known and most admired citizens. A native of Montgomery Alabama, he came to Hazard in 1921 at the age of 16 working on a section gang for the L & N Railroad. He fell in love with the mountains and it’s people and with the encouragement of Dewey Daniel, decided to stay. Soon after, he quit working for the Railroad and started shining shoes in Joe Carpenter’s Barber Shop on Main Street. The streets of Hazard were not paved in those days so he had plenty of work. He got 10 cents for shoes and 25 cents for boots. Wright had a vivid memory, filling in names or supplying dates to events that took place in the early days of Hazard. With ease he dipped into his reservoir of facts and memories recalling the years he spent as an employee at Shelton’s Barber Shop, once located near taxi alley, and later situated in the basement of the Grand Hotel. When Shelton’s closed, Philip moved to Bill Pelley’s Barber Shop on Main Street. After Pelley died, Wright worked with J.B. Singleton for several years. "He had to be a saint," recalled Jim Bergman, Dean of Students at Alice Lloyd College. "Philip always put the welfare of others ahead of his own personal concerns. He was a rare man," Bergman added. Jess Maloney, a 1946 graduate of Hazard High School, remarked, "Philip Wright was without a doubt one of the finest men I have ever known. He had the quality of kindness that all of us would like to have." Another former resident of Hazard, Bobby McGuire, also had fond memories of Wright. "Philip was a supporter of young people, a man of unshakable Christian faith and a devoted citizen who watched the passing parade on Main Street for over sixty years," McGuire said. In 1982 Wright was honored by several of his many friends. The words engraved on a plague that was presented to him expressed the consensus of their feelings: "To Philip Wright, a man of immense dignity and pride. From all the boys and girls who stepped into adulthood considerably richer for having known your kind smile and warm friendship. Presented by the boys of the 1940’s." All the local people knew if you had a few minutes to spare, you could drop by the barber shop where Philip worked and enjoy a good conversation filled with Hazard history. Hazard lost a piece of its history and a good man when Philip died on March 17, 1987.

Philip Wright, in front of Hazard Drug, worked on Main Street for sixty-six years

"I left Hazard in 1951. One memory I will always keep is that of Phil. I have never met or known anyone who always had a smile and kind words to greet you. One of Hazard's favorite SONS." Jerry Williams, Lexington, KY  jwill229@aol.com

"I remember Phillip from the Hazard Nursing Home where I took care of his wife. He was a nice man." W. F. Miller, Perry County wandafneace@yahoo.com

"I remember Mr. Wright when I was a little boy about five years old. My mother would go to the hairdresser in the other room next to the barber shop.  One day Mr. Wright picked me up and put me in the big dual chair where he use to shine shoes across from the barbers.  It made me feel that I was really a big boy.  I often think of the old timers back home and he is one of them."  Staff Sergeant Sam Wells, Middleburg, Florida

"I just happened to be surfing the web today and noticed the story on Phillip Wright.  I was very impressed with all the beautiful things that were said about this man. My father, Herman Higgins, has always spoken very highly of Mr. Wright and has often reminded me that Mr. Wright offered him his first job as a shoe shine boy.  My father also named me after Phillip Wright and I have named my son Phillip, so the legacy and memories of Mr. Wright will be remembered generations to come."  Phillip Higgins, Accokeek, Maryland  HigginsPhillip@Hotmail.com

"I remember going to Shelton's Barber Shop and getting a 'Flat Top' hair cut from Johnnie Melton and a shoe shine from Phillip.  Then I was ready for a big night out on the town.  This was in the mid-50's.  Phillip was always smiling and had an encouraging comment.  The way he made the shine rag pop was like music...  if 'Band Stand' was on TV, that shoe shine rag would pop in time to the music.  There will never be another Phillip."  Mike Hampton, Chattanooga, Tennessee

"I remember so well my brother Dudley and I going to see Johnny and Phillip at the barber shop in the early 50s.  Phillip certainly stands out as one of the people I knew that made such a strong positive impression on me.  He was always a pleasure to be around.  Will never forget that smile!"  Richard Goodlette, Spruce Pine, NC   septor@wnclink.com

"I remember Phillip Wright very well when I was growing up.  My dad was Lindsey Ferguson.  Also, my uncle Clymon Shelton owned the barber shop on Main Street.  Phillip was very kind to me.  I remember those days very well."  Bill Ferguson, Dunbar, WV

"It's so interesting how a face & name from your childhood days can bring such an intense feeling. Finding this particular link on the hazky site brings back wonderful memories of childhood (50s) and high school (60s). My grandfather, my father and I were patrons of Johnny Shelton's barbershop. I can remember meeting Philip with my grandfather, Troy Baker, when I was very young. His big smile and soft-spoken, cheerful manner were attributes that quickly drew people to Philip, forging a bond of friendship and mutual respect. Growing older, it was almost automatic every Saturday to go into the shop and stop to chat with Philip before a haircut.  Thinking back to those days as a young man, I believe that knowing Philip Wright encouraged me to be more open to diversity in friendships that have further enriched my life.  Thanks for that gift, Philip."  Dr. William Garlen Byrd, Kansas City Metro Area     

"I was sadden when Phillip died in 1987.  I got to know him at the Barber shop, being a frequent customer.  I love the stories he told and the compassion that the man showed in everyday life.  Thank you for putting this memorial to Phillip Wright online."  Keith Smith, Hardburly, Ky   keith_smith_41747@yahoo.com

"I remember Phillip as a boy when I went with my Dad, Joe Walker, to Shelton's barber shop.  He always called me 'Little chief' from when my Father was chief of Police in Hazard, and he always had one of the brightest and happiest smiles I have ever seen on a human being.  If everyone could only be just a little bit like him this would be a wonderful world. I will always remember you Phillip!"  Chuck Walker, Largo, Florida jhazardboy59@att.net

"I am the son of the late Judy (Fugate)Williams and a nephew of Gabe Fugate, once magistrate of Perry County.  I have just discovered this link and wanted to compliment one of the most wonderful memories of my young days in Hazard.  I always remembered Phillip with his warmest greetings and smiles.  He was a perfect gentleman.  Many times he shined my shoes when I didn't have even a penny in my pocket and complimented me to my Uncle Gabe.  I truly missed him when I left Perry County."  Jimmie Williams, Waterford, MI   Kimokokomo@aol.com

"I remember Phillip Wright, though I didn't know his last name.  He always had a big smile and a cheery greeting.  A very nice man."  Glen Boling, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl.  gboling@mediaone.net

"Phillip Wright was one of my best friends.  He would stop by my office every day for years.   As they said above, he was one of the best and most wonderful men I have ever known. A few years before he passed away we took him to Keeneland in a plane, his first and only airplane ride. He had a ball."  Ken Baker, Richmond, KY

"I recall a beauty salon in the bottom of the Grand Hotel that my mother frequented while I was much younger. Every Saturday morning I had to go with her as she had her hair done in this particular salon.  I can still remember hastily wandering to the other side, where a man that I only remembered as Phillip would shine my cowboy boots for me, for free of course.  I stumbled across this posting while visiting other links on this site.  I'm glad that I did.  It's been a long time that I have given thought to this fine person that I only remember as Phillip.  It's strange, the little things that we remember."  Jody Blaine Campbell, Yerkes, KY

"I just heard about the Hazard, KY website from Dick Ward and one of the first things I noticed was the section on Phillip Wright.  I remember 'Phillip' from my days roaming Main Street. He was very kind, always had a smile and even remembered the names of the kids that he met. I cannot tell you the number of times through the years that I have compared a 'shine' that Phillip gave my shoes to others - nobody could beat him, he was a real pro.  Memories are great!"  Steve Isaacs, Lexington, KY

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