Local Business Owner’s 4-Year Hair Journey Ends In Generous Locks Of Love Donation

CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. – A well-known figure in St. Mary’s County, Billy Fitzgerald—affectionately known as “Mr. Lister”—recently cut his long hair in a heartfelt gesture to benefit children facing medical hair loss. The donation was made to Locks of Love, an organization providing hairpieces to children under 21 suffering from conditions such as cancer.

The haircut took place at Sport Clips in Charlotte Hall on Friday, Nov. 15, where stylist Michelle Brown, who has 27 years of experience, handled the scissors.

“It feels nice,” Fitzgerald said of his fresh haircut. “It’s amazing how many people noticed. It took me four years to grow my hair. Everybody says, ‘Oh, it looks so nice,’ and, ‘Oh, I like the short hair better.’”

Fitzgerald, a Chaptico native and a long-standing real estate professional, credits his niece for inspiring the decision to grow out his hair for donation. “When COVID started, she mentioned to me, ‘Uncle Bill, you should grow your hair out and donate it to Locks of Love.’” He spent time researching the organization’s requirements and learned that donations needed to be 10 to 12 inches long.

Fitzgerald’s community ties run deep. As the owner of Fitzgerald Realty & Auctioneers for over 50 years, he is known for his unwavering commitment to the region. “I’ve been helping people in St. Mary’s County all my life,” he said. “I was just proud to be able to help out [with this donation].”

This wasn’t the first time Fitzgerald and Sport Clips crossed paths. “I’ve known Jeff Burroughs, the owner of Sport Clips in Charlotte Hall, since he was a little boy,” Fitzgerald noted. “And I was the first customer when he opened up his shop.”

Stylist Michelle Brown reflected on her role in the event. “I think it’s great,” she said. “I enjoy doing it because I know what they’re doing for these kids that are battling cancer and have lost their hair.”

Brown, who has been with the Charlotte Hall location for four years, explained that while hair donations are more common among women, contributions like Fitzgerald’s stand out. “I wish more people knew about it so they could make the donations,” she said.

Locks of Love provides wigs to children who benefit from the emotional and psychological boost of having hair. Brown shared a personal connection to the cause, recounting a family experience. “Years ago, my husband’s nephew passed away from cancer, and he was so excited when his hair started growing back. That’s when I realized how important it is—not just for little girls but for little boys, too.”

Fitzgerald’s donation underscores the impact individuals can have on their communities, whether through decades of professional service or acts of kindness. For Fitzgerald, the gesture was about more than a haircut—it was about giving back. “It’s a great cause,” he said. “I think anybody that can do it should be able to do it.”

Locks of Love remains a well-known organization, and stories like Fitzgerald’s continue to inspire others to consider donating. Brown hopes awareness of such initiatives will grow, encouraging more individuals to participate.