TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Wrexham businessman who has died at the age of 76.

Barry Williams, owner of Beauty Box on Bank Street, died on June 8.

Barry and his wife, Val, started trading as part of the outdoor market in 1978, opening the Beauty Box in 1982 in the vegetable market.

The Leader: Sandra (far left), Vicky, Barry, Lynn and Lisa (far right) taken in 2019.

When the vegetable market was closed, Beauty Box moved to the Peoples Market where it remained until Ty Pawb took over and moved to Bank Street where the business will continue to run.

Paul Williams, Barry's son, 50, said: "Barry was involved with the market committee with always the aim of trying to preserve a Wrexham market so was always fighting the markets' corner.

"He was well known on the outdoor market, always a familar face and popular with the customers. People travelled a long way to see him and that continued in the indoor market. 

"As you can imagine over the years we have had many staff members come and go, he would always look after them which showed as they would all keep in contact."

Councillor Nigel Williams, said: "On behalf of the City Centre team and WCBC I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Barry Williams."

Many Wrexham residents expressed their sorrow and offered their condolences to the family on social media when they heard of the sad news.

Ceri Spence on Facebook said: "Barry always recognised me growing up and saved all the bits I loved. He was such a nice person."


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Susan Jones said: "He was a true gentleman and was the nicest person I had ever met."

Vicki Murt, friend and employee at Beauty Box, said: "Myself and my colleague have worked for Barry for 20 years. He was a fantastic boss to work for and was always there for us.

Paul said Barry operated several businesses across Wrexham for 50-years.

He was a much-loved member of the Wrexham community who will be missed by all who knew him. 

He leaves behind his dear wife, Val, and their two children, Paul, 50, and Leanne, 46.