JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – To many in the Arlington community, Winston Thompson was more than a barber. He was a friend.
Saturday, those friends and family came together to say goodbye to Thompson.
Thompson was found dead found on a stairwell with at least one gunshot wound one week ago at an Arlington apartment complex. Police have made no arrests.
"Because I owe him. And I know he'd be here for me," said Travis Taylor.
Travis Taylor says that's why he came to pay his respects to Winston Thompson, a man he's known since the sixth grade. He was one of more than a hundred people came together to honor and remember the Jacksonville native at Arlington Baptist Church, just steps away from the barbershop Thompson owned.
But more than his work, friends say Thompson will be remembered for his heart.
"You can call and talk to him about anything he is going to support you if he's for you he's for you. Arlington is going to truly miss Winston," said Taylor.
Veronica White had been friends with Thompson for a long time, and he's the one who encouraged her to go back to school. That's why finding out her friend had been found shot to death was so hard.
"Just to know that he suffered when he has tried to make sure that no one else suffers or no one else went without. Whatever you needed he was right there," said White
Even though Thompson's friends this is a very sad occasion it's also a celebration of his life and the many ways he gave back to this community.
White remembers the events Thompson coordinated for the community in a nearby park, and the free haircuts he gave to students heading back to school. And it's those memories she's holding on to.
"It's a time for rejoicing. Actually. It's a time to celebrate the life of someone who actually had a positive influence not just in this community but in everyone's life that he touched," said White.