Unofficial town greeter

U.S. 15 in the Town of Orange will be a little darker for passersby.

On Monday, longtime barber and friend to all Cecil “Sonny” Breeden, Jr. passed away. According to the Virginia State Police, Breeden, 77, was walking approximately one-tenth of a mile south of West Nelson Street on U.S. 15 when a 2006 Volvo S40 struck him. He was transported to the University of Virginia Medical Center, but later succumbed to his injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

A lifelong resident of Orange, Breeden opened his Madison Road Barber Shop April 13, 1976. He began cutting hair in 1965, but suffered a traumatic brain injury in 1974 as the result of a horse fracturing his skull. He relearned how to walk, talk and of course, cut hair. In 2016, he celebrated 40 years in business and was set to celebrate 50 years in April. 

According to the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Breeden was the longest-running, self-employed businessman in the town.

Perhaps more than being a barber, Breeden was known as the unofficial mayor and greeter of Orange. When not tending to his clients, he would sit in front of his shop, waving to passersby. Many took to social media following the announcement of his passing, sharing fond memories of him.

A chamber spokesperson said Sonny was an incredible man, so kind and very funny. “He loved his classic car and would do anything for anyone,” they said.

Town resident Donna Waugh Robinson said Breeden overcame his tragic accident years ago and came out on top with grit and fortitude.

“His kindness was known by many and he was loved by all,” she said. “Just a friendly wave to friends or strangers was his signature and it will be missed. My dad used to say ‘it costs nothing to be kind’ and Sonny was the epitome of that.”

Breeden is survived by his wife, Joan, their two children, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In lieu of a memorial service, the family received friends Monday, Aug. 4, 5-8 p.m. at the Preddy Funeral Chapel, Orange. 

A makeshift memorial has been created in front of Breeden’s barber shop with flowers, balloons, letters and his signature beverage of choice, Coca-Cola.