Vernon Winfrey was a former Nashville councilman and local barbershop owner. Oprah Winfrey, his daughter, announced Saturday that Vernon has died.
He was 88.
Oprah posted a touching Instagram message saying that her father had died Friday with his family by her side.
She said, "I had the honor of witnessing the man responsible to my life, taking his last breath." "We could feel Peace entering the room at his passing."
Vernon was well-known in Nashville as the owner of Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop, and 16 years later as a councilman.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper expressed his condolences to Vernon Winfrey's family and remembered that he had "dedicated his entire life to entrepreneurship and barbering and mentoring young men in our community."
Cooper said, "An Army veteran as well as a deacon. He leaves behind a legacy for service."
Oprah was in Nashville recently for Independence Day weekend to honor Vernon's life, WSMV, NBC Nashville affiliate reported.
Vernon's cause has not been confirmed.
