Al Longmire, a favorite barber of Arizona athletes since he started cutting hair in Tucson in 1959, was revered as a father figure and inspiration by those he served after his passing Sunday at 85 due to health reasons.
Longmire owned Al’s Barbershop on 861 E. Grant from 1965 to 2018. He began as a barber in Tucson at age 19 in 1959 at JT’s Barbershop on Meyer Avenue downtown, where the Tucson Convention Center is now located.
He closed his shop in 2018 (when he was 78) and went to help out Tommie Clardy Jr. at the Tommie’s Barber-Beauty Shop at 3400 E. Speedway Boulevard.
The Atmore, Ala., native first moved to Alliance, Ohio, with his family because of work opportunities in the steel mills there for his father, who also was a barber on his spare time. After graduating from high school, the younger Longmire moved to Tucson to be with some of his family.
He contemplated entering the Navy but decided to pursue a career as a barber after meeting Jesus T. Espinoza, who owned JT’s Barbershop.
“He was really a good businessman,” Longmire said as part of an oral history series released by the African American Museum of Southern Arizona in 2022. “He had a little problem. He drank a little bit, but when he drank, he never worked; he never would cut hair.
“He had gone as far as three years without taking a drink. And when he took a drink, he would be off for a few days. He was a pretty smart guy, too. He was a cotton picker, actually, and he got hit by a car. His rehabilitation was that they trained him as a barber. … He was a very good barber, as far as cutting black hair. I learned a lot from him.”
That’s what started Longmire’s storied career as a barber in Tucson.
In addition to cutting the hair of many Arizona athletes through the years, he also performed his work on big-name sports figures who came through town, including golfers Jim Dent, Calvin Peete and Jim Thorpe, football player Mel Blount, baseball players Frank Thomas, Minnie Minoso, Leon Wagner, Mudcat Grant and Luis Tiant, and Olympic track athlete Carl Lewis.
Many of the Arizona athletes and coaches who had their hair cut by Longmire, or knew him personally, took to social media to offer their heartfelt reaction to his passing.
Ernie McCray, basketball
“Longtime friend. I will miss him.”
Richard Lemons, baseball
“Tucson will not be the same. Such a kind hearted person with a smile that lit up the shop. Some of my fondest memories were times we sat in the shop for hours talking sports, finance, and life. It was always a positive vibe in the shop. Condolences to the family and many friends whose lives he impacted. Thank you for your love and support my entire life Brother Longmire. May you rest in peace Sir. With love and appreciation.”
John Court, gymnastics coach
“Al was a legend, a giant amongst men . He was genuine and kind . Sold me my first set of golf clubs and took me to the range. The shop was one of my first stops to make in town many years ago . Rest in power my friend and you will be missed by many.”
Damon Stoudamire, basketball
“Next to Coach O (Lute Olson) and the staff, not a more impactful person for me during my time in Tucson. Friend and father figure. Love You Al!”
Next to Coach O and the staff not a more impactful person for me during my time in Tucson. Friend and father figure. Love You Al! https://t.co/PZjiE1kbCd
— Damon Stoudamire (@Iambiggie503) September 1, 2025
AJ Bramlett, basketball
“Al was a wonderful man. Took care of all of us and always treated everyone with respect and love. Miss you Big Al.”
Brandon Sanders, football
“Just seeing the news on the passing of Al. The man was a pillar in the Tucson community & his shop was a welcoming place for us young black athletes away from home for the 1st time! Sending prayers & condolences to his family, friends & all that knew him RIH Big Al.”
Marsharne Graves, football
“Al, great man, great person. Back in the day, I knew him as ‘AL you PaL'”
Bobby Rodriguez, football (owner of Jet Sports Training)
“Rest easy, Mr. Al. Thank you for the memories at Al’s Barbershop and for all the good you brought to the community.”
Reggie Gaddis, football
“He was a fixture in the Tucson community and he will be missed.”
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