HE was a well-known and much-loved barber at the heart of the community for decades. 

Terry Kitcher, the friendly face welcoming customers to Terry's Barber Shop in Woolston for 39 years, has died aged 81.

Terry the barber, as he was affectionately known, was a huge Saints fan, also working at The Dell as a steward for many years.

Pictured with son Shawn and manager Lawrie McMenemy, Terry was at Wembley for the FA Cup final win over Manchester United in 1976 and travelled to Belgium to watch Saints take on Anderlecht in the Cup Winners Cup the following year.

He became friends with his favourite player Terry Paine and even cut his hair.

Daily Echo:

Terry was also a talented cribbage player. A founder member of the St Denys Conservative Club Cribbage team in 1964, he was their captain for 44 years, steering them to six Division 1 titles. Terry was also chairman of the Southampton & District Social Clubs League.

Described by his loving family as a true gent with a heart of gold, Terry was a lovely and genuine character who would do anything for anyone. 

Online tributes described him as a 'legend,' 'a great laugh' and the '12th man' on the sidelines of local football.

READ MORE: Robin Heslop, who ran Manor Utilities in Woolston for 45 years, has died

Terry hung up his scissors, as he put it, in December 2016. He started at the shop in February 1958 after he left school, initially working as an apprentice for Mr Harrison and running the shop himself for 24 years after his retirement. 

Over the years, his hundreds of customers included everyone from young children having first haircuts to a centenarian.

One customer dressed as a Union Jack for the Queen's Jubilee and another group travelled from America to frequent Terry's Barber Shop.

Terry was a devoted husband to Marie, adored father of Shawn and Tracey and father-in-law of Lisa and Steve. He was a loving grandad to Ryan, Craig, Ben, Callum, George, and Toby.

Daily Echo:

Terry's funeral service will take place at Wessex Vale Crematorium on Friday January 27 at 10am.

Mourners are encouraged to wear red, his favourite colour, or any Saints top. 

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook