McGhee’s Shoe Shop closed in the 1980s.

By Charlie Hutson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Some of you will remember a time when the shoes you bought could be repaired by having the sole or heel replaced or getting a seam re-stitched. On this Throwback Thursday, we take you back to this long ago service that is rare to find these days.

Some folks like the sound of taps on the heel or toe of your shoe. McGhee’s Shoe Shop on North Tennessee Avenue could provide all those amenities and more. Kenneth McGhee not only did shoes and boots, he made custom utility belts along with gun, handcuff and radio holsters for local law enforcement officers.

McGhee’s Shoe Shop was owned and operated by Kenneth McGhee.  He was a true leather smith who could design and craft about anything leather. McGhee’s Shoe Shop closed in the 1980s.

Frankie Bacon offers a footnote to this story. “Kenenth’s dad, Samp (Sampson), opened the shop first and ran it until Kenneth took over,” said Bacon. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/02/2022-6AM)

2 Replies to “Hutson takes us back to the 1980s and McGhee’s Shoe Shop”

  1. Remember Mr McGhee well. My parents took the older ones shoes in to be resoled so the next one of us could wear them. He was such a pleasant person.

  2. He was my family. I loved going in there when my mama and I went to town. I can still smell the leather. And he always had a nickel for me lol. Miss ya uncle Kenneth.

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