Kenneth Shuler

Michael Kenneth Shuler, 85, of Lexington, SC, a visionary educator, industry pioneer, and founder of South Carolina’s premier network of cosmetology institutions, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2026.

Survived by his loving wife of more than 28 years, Angie Baker Shuler, his children Kimberly Shuler, Kelley Shuler-Armsey (Tom), Michael Kenneth Shuler II (Kathryn), Justin Baldwin Shuler (Miranda), Garrett Daniel Shuler (Emily), Jessica Lauren Skipper and Jamie Lee Skipper; grandchildren Landen, Lauren, Erin, Michael III, Mary Kathryn, Preston, Maci, Letti, and Mila; great-grandchildren Sophia, Carondelet, and Triton; his cherished sister Sylvia S. Skinner, and his beloved dogs Zeke and Izzy. He was preceded in death by his parents Millard Fillmore Shuler and Hazel E. Shuler; brothers Ted C. Shuler and Charles V. Shuler and sister Vera S. Stroman.

Born in Holly Hill, South Carolina, Kenneth entered the professional beauty industry in 1959, quickly establishing himself as an innovative trailblazer and becoming the youngest recipient named Barber of the Year in 1964. After operating salons in Myrtle Beach, he relocated to the Midlands in 1968, acquiring Capitol Barber College and establishing Kenneth Shuler School of Men’s Hairstyling which eventually became Kenneth Shuler’s School of Cosmetology. He was also an owner of ten successful Cost Cutters Family Hair Care Salons across the midlands and surrounding areas. A respected national figure, he served three consecutive terms as president of the National Association of Barber Schools and co-founded Schools America. Alongside his wife Angie, who served as Director of Education, he expanded the institution into an eight-campus network that shaped the careers of thousands of beauty and barbering professionals across the Southeast. In recognition of his lasting contributions to the state and his profession, Kenneth was honored with the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian award in South Carolina, in 2014 and the national N.F. Cimaglia Award in 2018.

Even after stepping down from school leadership, his creative energy remained boundless. An instinctive builder, Kenneth hand-drafted floor plans and channeled his love of woodworking into every campus—crafting reception desks, architectural columns, and a reclaimed-wood men’s grooming area with the belief that small details define perfection. Grand projects often started with his favorite summons, "Can you hold the end of this board?" Kenneth lived boldly, frequently reminding those around him that "you can’t wait until all of the lights are green" before moving forward on a dream. He paired that daring ambition with a tireless work ethic, famously assuring his team that "it’s okay to work part-time—just pick any twelve hours out of the day you like." Through his woodwork, his humor, and his relentless pursuit of excellence, Kenneth left behind an enduring legacy built entirely by hand.

Outside of his work, Kenneth was devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. He worked hard and played easy, cherishing lake days filled with barbecues, boat outings, and perilous jet ski rides where passengers—and dogs—routinely went flying off the back. For countless years, Kenneth and Angie hosted legendary community Thanksgiving gatherings and family Easter egg hunts famous for fun and trickery. He organized family trips to Jamaica and Isle of Palms, and with family explored the world together, memorializing each journey with a mug in his extensive collection. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy.

A lifelong dedicated man of faith, Kenneth was an active member of McGregor Presbyterian Church for many years before transferring to Beulah Methodist Church in Gilbert, where he sang in the choir, served on committees, and welcomed everyone with a smile and a laugh. He quietly supported church needs, famously timing generous contributions just before the yard sale proceeds were announced and majorly contributed to purchasing a baby grand piano "because I want to see that beauty every Sunday and close my eyes and listen"—though some suspect he just wanted a good reason to close his eyes.

The driving force of Kenneth's civic life was the Optimist Creed where one of his favorite lines was, "To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature a smile." As the last surviving original charter member of the St. Andrews Optimist Club since its founding in 1971, he poured decades of passion into supporting local youth, enlisting his children and grandchildren every winter to sell Christmas trees and craft wreaths. He was well known for his philanthropy as he sponsored multiple youth teams, Toys for Tots drives, food drives, Wine Dine and Design Fashion Shows (SC School for the Deaf and the Blind), scholarships, and civic contributions.

Kenneth lived fully, approaching every sunrise as what he called a "Jack Russell Day"—waking up with uncontrollable excitement just to see what was going to happen next.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, 11AM, at Mr. Horeb Church, 1205 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington, SC 29072. At 1PM, a celebration of life service will be held at Southern Oaks, 2401 US-378, Gilbert, SC 29054. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the following:

St. Andrews Optimist Club - "Kenneth Shuler Difference Maker Scholarship" PO Box 1186, Irmo, SC 29063; Tunnel to Towers www.t2t.org); or Beulah Methodist Church, 161 Beulah Church Road, Gilbert, SC 29054