Thurston David Pressley, a soft-spoken, gentleman hairdresser from Georgia, had many adventures in his102 years. In his ten-plus decades, he befriended former slaves, American Indians, famous civic leaders and even movie stars. He witnessed moonshine stills, horse trading, abolition, two major wars, women"s liberation, television, manned moon landings, home computers and the internet. He experienced dramatic changes in attitude, both personal and social, in the growth and refinement of a nation. "Mr. P," as his students called him, taught many things besides the coiffing of hair. He bridged the generational gulf with great charm and ease to glimpse the souls of his young students. In gratitude, they allowed him to steal a bit of their youthful hipness. All the while, he instilled excellent work ethics and loyalty. For this, his students loved him…and so do we who profited from his talents and rich life story.