Mr. John William “Pop” Fair was born in Bowman, SC, on August 22, 1939, to the late Charles H. Fair, Sr., and Lucille Jamison Fair. After his mother passed away, he was raised by his grandmother, Amanda Jamison, and his aunt Maybelle Carmichael. He departed this life on August 17, 2025.
John joined Antioch Baptist Church in Bowman, SC. He later became a member of Emanuel AME Church in Cope, SC, and was a faithful member until his health declined, prohibiting him from attending. He served as a Trustee, Class Leader, and the church’s African American Historian, imparting rich African American history to the entire congregation.
John graduated from Bethune Memorial School in Bowman, SC, as his High School Valedictorian. After high school, he attended Denmark Technical College and was one of the Top 5 Students. He was the first in his family to become a college graduate. He started hairstyling at age 12. John continued to develop his hairstyling skills and built a professional career in barbering and cosmetology, earning the title of “Hair Legend.” He was the first male hairstylist in the county, the first to have a Master Hair Care License, the first to introduce the wave process, and the first to do curls in Orangeburg County. He managed “Professional Barber Shop” on Goff Ave. Later, he became co-owner of “Fair’s Professional Style and Barber Shop,” along with his son, Archie.
Indeed, John W. Fair was a true pioneer, accomplishing numerous remarkable feats that set him apart as the first in many fields. Throughout his career, John facilitated numerous seminars on hair care and styling. He has trained and mentored over 30 barbers under his licensure, with 75% of barber shops in the area employing someone he trained.
In his spare time, John transformed into a vibrant DJ, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the scene. He collaborated with two talented bands, effortlessly managing emceeing and booking, and adding his unique touch to every event. Not only was he a gifted barber and DJ, but he also had a passion for gardening. John cultivated a beautiful garden at his and his wife’s home, filled with flowers and plants that were just as impressive as the “Edisto Memorial Gardens.”
John had to pause his work for a while after being involved in a vehicle accident that claimed the lives of three people, but by God’s grace, he survived. After his recovery, John resumed his career in the hair industry and went on to live a full, impactful life.
John leaves to cherish his loving, devoted wife of 65 years, Willie Mae Fair. Three children: Rev. Dr. Archie R. (Linda) Fair, Orangeburg, SC; John Albert Fair, Orangeburg, SC; and Julian Fair, Orangeburg, SC. Two sisters, Beatrice F. White, Waycross, GA, and Ina F. Backman, St. Augustine, FL; two grandchildren, Amanda F. (Curtis) Coles, and Akeia R. Fair. Special nieces, Cheryl Fair Smith, Yvette Marva Fair, Deridre (John) Haigler, Dr. Cardra E. Burns, Maxine (Bernard) Bonaparte, Priscilla Busby, and Jacqueline (Keith) Jones. Special nephews, Alvin M. Fair, Nikita (Carolyn) Burns, Sr., Edgar (Vernell) Wolfe, and Morris (Charlotte) Wolfe. A host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and mentees.

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Glover's Funeral Home from 2:00pm until 7:00pm.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Emmanuel AME Church 1897 Hudson Rd, Cope beginning at 11:00am.