Popular Nashvillian and father of Oprah Winfrey, Vernon Winfrey, passed away peacefully on July 8 at the age of 89.
He was preceded in death by his wife Zelma Winfrey and survived by his daughter, Oprah Winfrey, and son, Thomas Walker.
An Army veteran and deacon, he leaves behind a legacy of service, including as the sole proprietor of the Winfrey Barber Shop in East Nashville.
“Less than a week ago, we honored my father in his own backyard. My friend and gospel singer, Wintley Phipps, saluted him with song. He felt the love and reveled in it until he could no longer speak,” said daughter Oprah Winfrey.
“Yesterday, with family surrounding his bedside, I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life take his last breath. We could feel peace enter the room at his passing. That peace still abides. All is well. Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts.”
“It is with a sad but grateful heart that I join the rest of Nashville in honoring former Councilman Vernon Winfrey. I had the good fortune to know him as a friend,” said Register of Deeds Karen Johnson.
“For nearly 20 years, he served the city on the Council. And who better to serve the people than a man who worked at his own barbershop until just last year—where he was the eyes and ears of the community around him.
“Our prayers today are with Oprah, Nashville’s and Councilman Winfrey’s pride and joy, and all of his loved ones.”
From 1975-1991, Winfrey served on the Nashville Metropolitan Council representing the 5th district. He also served on the board of trustees for Tennessee State University and the Tennessee State Barber Board. In 2016, Vernon was inducted into the National Barber Hall of Fame and honored for his 56 years as a master barber.
Vernon was a charter member of Faith United Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a deacon for 45 years.
