Shane Altimore joins best friend, who saved his life, at Perry tattoo, barber shop

Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent
·3 min read
Rex Runner, left, owner of Pride and Glory Tattoos & Piercings in Perry Township, recalls the day in August 2022 when he found his best friend, Shane Altimore, right, lying in bed nearly unconscious after suffering a stroke. Altimore now works as a barber at Runner's shop.
Rex Runner, left, owner of Pride and Glory Tattoos & Piercings in Perry Township, recalls the day in August 2022 when he found his best friend, Shane Altimore, right, lying in bed nearly unconscious after suffering a stroke. Altimore now works as a barber at Runner's shop.

PERRY TWP. – Shane Altimore said his life was at a crossroads after he suffered a serious stroke in August 2022, and it was difficult to carry on with everyday life.

As a barber for more than a dozen years, Altimore thought he might lose his ability to work in the profession, when his arms, hands and legs became immobile. The stroke also caused temporary blindness in his right eye.

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"I couldn't walk and lost a lot of (arm and leg) movement," the 45-year-old lifelong Stark County resident said. "Everything was terrible and nothing (physically or mentally) worked right. There were times I thought I would die."

Stark County barber Shane Altimore said his life was at a crossroads after he suffered a stroke in late 2022. "There were times I thought I would die."
Stark County barber Shane Altimore said his life was at a crossroads after he suffered a stroke in late 2022. "There were times I thought I would die."

In late December, a refreshed Altimore joined Pride and Glory Tattoo & Piercings, 2933 Lincoln Way E, with longtime friend Rex Runner, whom he credits for saving his life.

Runner owns the shop and recently renovated the inside to make room for Altimore to cut hair.

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Altimore suffered the stroke in late August 2022 inside his Canton bungalow. A friend noticed some oddities over multiple days and sent Runner − Altimore's neighbor at the time − a message asking for a status check.

At one point, the friend had trouble reaching Altimore via cellphone, so Runner sprinted over to Altimore's residence and broke down the door in search of his buddy.

Local barber Shane Altimore, right, listens as his longtime friend, Rex Runner, recount how he helped to save Altimore's life in August 2022. Runner has made space at his Pride and Glory Tattoo & Piercing for Altimore to cut hair.
Local barber Shane Altimore, right, listens as his longtime friend, Rex Runner, recount how he helped to save Altimore's life in August 2022. Runner has made space at his Pride and Glory Tattoo & Piercing for Altimore to cut hair.

"I found him lying in bed (barely conscious and out of sorts)," recalled Runner, who proceeded to help Altimore get to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, which wasn't far from his friend's home.

Altimore spent six days in the hospital, with nurses affirming that Runner's actions helped save his best friend's life.

"(Rex) gave me a second chance," said Altimore. "I'm so thankful for being able to talk to people again and do things that I like."

Altimore said he'd long been interested in cutting hair, and occasionally would offer trims to his friends while growing up.

"I was just always able to do it," recalled Altimore. "I worked retail for awhile when I was younger, and it wasn't my thing."

Rex Runner has operated Pride and Glory Tattoo & Piercing since 2015, at 2933 Lincoln Way E in Perry Township for the last eight years.
Rex Runner has operated Pride and Glory Tattoo & Piercing since 2015, at 2933 Lincoln Way E in Perry Township for the last eight years.

Runner and Altimore, friends for more than 20 years, said they're enjoying working together while doing their own thing.

"Rex is one of my favorite people," said Altimore. "There's no stress here with him − no nothing. It's just chill."

Runner said he appreciates Altimore's company each day at the shop.

"I get to hang out with my best friend all day," he said. "It's almost like not working at all."

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

About Pride and Glory Tattoo & Piercings

OWNER − Rex Runner

ADDRESS − 2933 Lincoln Way E, Perry Township

SERVICES − Personalized tattoos and piercings; and barbershop manned by Shane Altimore.

HOURS − 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 1 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.

CONTACT − Call 330-456-1400 to make an appointment, or email info@pgtattoo.com

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Stark County barber Shane Altimore joins friend in Perry shop after 2022 stroke