John Mccall

John Hershel McCall, 74, went to his reward October 11, 2021 at the 501 Ranch in Uvalde, TX.  He was born in Shreveport, LA on June 1, 1947 to Dean and Ann McCall.  Although his parents always lived in Texas, Ann chose to have John in Shreveport so her family could help. John always told people he couldn’t find work at two weeks old so he moved to Texas.

After making a deal with the principal at Dripping Springs High School, John found himself at the military academy in San Marcos.  He then attended Texas State University.  With a wink and a nod, John wasn’t sure he received an undergrad degree, but being John McCall, he walked into the University of Houston and said, “I’m here for law school.”

Soon after John earned a law degree from the University of Houston, he took over his father’s company, Armstrong McCall, at the age of 25.  John considered himself a child of the professional salon industry.  During his life he met everyone who had anything to do with the beauty business. John became known as the Shampoo King from Dripping Springs, and his knack for making deals that benefitted both parties brought him great success.  At one point in time, Armstrong McCall sold and carried more shampoo than anyone in the world.  John always thrived when the odds were against him.  He wasn’t happy unless there were issues that needed to be dealt with or he was stirring up trouble.  He beat cancer multiple times and became “the most interesting case” to each doctor he met.  He met health battles head on, and losing the fight was never an option.

After living in Austin, New York City, La Jolla, CA and traveling the world, John found his home in Uvalde, TX on the 501 Ranch.  The ranch was John’s favorite place to be.  His passion for hunting and wildlife brought him great friendships and memorable experiences.  Being so, you never found John staying put for long.  He was always up for a trip.

John had many business partners in life, but one became his brother, Farouk Shami.  Their loyalty to each other in business and life made them both wealthy in more ways than one.

“The CHI flat-iron bought this place”, he would always say of the ranch.

John always said “I’ll never have dogs, kids, or marry a hairdresser.”  This all changed when Amy Hubbell became his greatest partner of all.  John found his home in Amy and her boys.  He cherished his family and was happiest when they were together with all dogs in tow – Abby, Remi, and Bentley.

John’s greatest passion was to give.  Helping people and donating to organizations that benefitted children, wounded warriors, and people battling cancer brought him great joy.  He was so thankful he could support those who needed it the most.  John kept every thank you card he ever received. He also loved sharing the ranch.  His birthday events weren’t really for him, but for all those in his life and the community to enjoy.  He lived big in every moment.

John fought to live harder than most, but he was not afraid to die.  He always said, “My bags are packed and I’m ready to go home whenever I’m called.”  His faith was strong.

He is survived by the love of his life, Amy McCall of Uvalde; son, Colten Hubbell, and wife, Kennedy, of Uvalde; son, Collin Hubbell, of Bastrop; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jo and Kenny Hague of Hamilton; nephews, Michael Goertz and John Goertz; and niece and husband, Jamie and Jacob Hill.   There are thousands of others John leaves behind.  Each individual who knew John has a special story to tell.  Though he requested to be shot out of a cannon, a special event has been planned to celebrate his life.

A celebration of life is scheduled for October 30, 2021 at the 501 Ranch in Uvalde, TX.  Please visit www.jhmshampooking.com for details.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the following organizations:

Cactus Jack Foundation

PO Box 1707

Uvalde, TX 78802

Nora’s Home

Norashome.org

Austin Film Society

Austinfilm.org/mccall