When people hear the name Winfrey, they almost always think of Oprah. But behind the iconic media mogul was a quiet, steady, and disciplined man who shaped her life in the most profound way. That man was Vernon Winfrey, a respected Nashville barber, city councilman, and devoted father. His life was a testament to hard work, faith, and the power of a stable hand. He was a pillar in his community and the anchor his daughter needed, leaving a legacy of integrity and strength when he passed away at the age of 89.
Quick Bio of Vernon Winfrey
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Vernon Winfrey |
| Born | March 1, 1933 |
| Died | July 8, 2022 |
| Age at Death | 89 |
| Place of Birth | Greenville, Mississippi, USA |
| Place of Death | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Profession | Barber, Politician (City Councilman) |
| Famous For | Being the father of Oprah Winfrey |
| Children | Oprah Winfrey |
| Spouses | Zelma Winfrey, Barbara Winfrey |
| Military Service | U.S. Army (Served in the Korean War) |
Who Was Vernon Winfrey? A Look at His Early Life
The journey of Vernon Winfrey began in Greenville, Mississippi, where he was born on March 1, 1933. Growing up during a challenging era, he learned the values of discipline and perseverance early on. As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army and serving overseas during the Korean War. This experience further shaped his character, instilling in him a sense of duty that he would carry throughout his life.
After his military service, he settled in Nashville, Tennessee, a city that would become his permanent home. It was there he began building his future. During this time, he had a relationship with a young woman named Vernita Lee. In 1954, they had a daughter, Oprah Gail Winfrey. However, their paths diverged, and they did not raise Oprah together during her early childhood, a circumstance that would later lead to a life-changing reunion between father and daughter.
The Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop: A Nashville Institution
For over 50 years, the Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop was more than just a business on the streets of Nashville; it was a landmark. Vernon Winfrey was not just a barber who cut hair; he was a confidant, a listener, and a central figure in his community. His shop became a gathering place where local residents, friends, and neighbors would come to discuss everything from politics to family, all while getting a fresh haircut.
The atmosphere inside the shop was a reflection of the man who owned it—welcoming, professional, and full of lively conversation. He took immense pride in his work and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. For decades, the steady snip of his scissors was a familiar sound in the neighborhood, a symbol of the stability and reliability that defined the life and career of Vernon Winfrey.
A Life of Service: Vernon Winfrey in Public Office
His dedication to his community extended far beyond the walls of his barber shop. Believing in the power of public service, Vernon Winfrey decided to take an active role in local government. He successfully ran for a seat on the Nashville Metro Council, where he served his constituents with distinction for 16 years. His time in office was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of the people he represented.
In addition to his political service, he was a man of deep faith and served as a deacon at his local church. This combination of civic and spiritual leadership made him a truly respected figure in Nashville. He wasn’t just Oprah’s father; he was a leader in his own right, a man who worked tirelessly to make his corner of the world a better place, earning the admiration of all who knew him.
A Father’s Defining Role: Saving Oprah
Perhaps the most well-known part of his story is the critical role he played in his daughter’s life. As a teenager, Oprah was struggling and heading down a dangerous path. In a pivotal moment, she was sent to live with her father in Nashville. The disciplined and structured environment that Vernon Winfrey provided was a stark contrast to her previous life, and it proved to be exactly what she needed.
He set firm rules and had high expectations. Oprah was required to read a new book and write a report on it every single week, and he demanded nothing less than her best. She has spoken openly and frequently about this time, crediting him with changing the trajectory of her life. In her own words, “He saved me.” This strict yet loving guidance from Vernon Winfrey gave her the focus and self-worth that would later propel her to global stardom.
The Man Behind the Famous Name: Personal Life and Marriages
While his relationship with Oprah was central, his personal life was also full of meaningful connections. For many years, Vernon Winfrey was married to Zelma Winfrey, who was a supportive stepmother to Oprah during her crucial teenage years in Nashville. Zelma was a key part of the stable home life that helped Oprah thrive, and their long marriage was a significant chapter in his life.
After his marriage to Zelma ended, he later married Barbara Winfrey. Their relationship lasted for over a decade before ending in a public and difficult divorce. These relationships, with their joys and challenges, painted a fuller picture of the man behind the public persona, showing a life filled with love, partnership, and the complexities that come with long-term commitments. The personal life of Vernon Winfrey was as rich as his public one.
Understanding the Winfrey Family Tree
To understand Oprah’s story, it is important to know the key people in her family. Her mother, Vernita Lee, who passed away in 2018, gave birth to her in Mississippi. The brief relationship between Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey created a bond that would last a lifetime, even though they did not build a life together. Both parents played unique and important roles in her journey.
Another name connected to the family is Patricia Lee Lloyd. In 2010, Oprah revealed that she had a half-sister she had never known. Patricia was the daughter of Vernita Lee, who had given her up for adoption at birth. This discovery was a major event for the family, but it’s important to clarify that Patricia’s connection is through Oprah’s mother, not Vernon Winfrey.
Facing the End: Illness and a Final Celebration
In his later years, Vernon Winfrey faced a difficult health battle. The official cause of death was cancer. He fought the disease with the same quiet strength and dignity that he had lived his entire life, surrounded by the family and friends who loved him dearly. His resilience during this time was an inspiration to those around him.
Knowing that their time together was limited, Oprah decided to give her father one last, beautiful gift. On July 4, 2022, she organized a surprise party for him in his backyard. She called it the “Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day,” a chance for everyone to celebrate his life while he was still there to see it. It was a joyous occasion filled with music, food, and love—a perfect tribute to a well-lived life.
The Day the News Broke: Vernon Winfrey’s Passing
Just a few days after that heartfelt celebration, the sad news came. When did Vernon Winfrey die? He passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022, at his home in Nashville. The news confirmed that Vernon Winfrey died peacefully, with his family by his side. His passing marked the end of an era for the Winfrey family and the Nashville community he served so well.
Oprah shared the news of her father’s passing with the world through a touching social media post. She described the sacred honor of being with him in his final moments, writing, “I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life, take his last breath.” This deeply personal announcement allowed the world to mourn alongside her, celebrating the profound bond between a father and daughter. This was a final, loving tribute to Vernon Winfrey.
Remembering a Legacy: The Funeral and Obituary
The Vernon Winfrey funeral service was a reflection of the man himself—dignified, heartfelt, and full of community spirit. Friends, family, and local leaders gathered in Nashville to pay their final respects. The service honored not just the father of a superstar, but a man who had carved out his own impressive legacy through decades of hard work and service to others.
Following his death, the Vernon Winfrey obituary appeared in news outlets across the globe. The stories celebrated his life, focusing on his accomplishments as a respected businessman, a dedicated city councilman, and a formative influence on one of the world’s most powerful women. The legacy of Vernon Winfrey was cemented as one of integrity, discipline, and quiet, unwavering strength.
Answering Common Questions About Vernon Winfrey
Naturally, many people are curious about the details of his life. A common question is about the Vernon Winfrey net worth. While the exact figures are private, reliable estimates suggest it was between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth was built over a lifetime of running a successful business and making sound investments in his beloved Nashville, where he owned his house in East Nashville.
Another question people often ask is, “Is Vernon Winfrey still alive?” The answer is no. He passed away in the summer of 2022 after his battle with cancer. Although he is no longer physically present, his influence is still felt deeply, especially through the values he instilled in his daughter. The story of Vernon Winfrey continues to resonate and inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When did Vernon Winfrey pass away?
Vernon Winfrey died on July 8, 2022, at the age of 89. - What was Vernon Winfrey’s cause of death?
He passed away after a battle with cancer. - What was Vernon Winfrey’s main profession?
He was a respected barber and the owner of the Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop in Nashville for over 50 years. He also served as a city councilman. - How did Vernon Winfrey “save” Oprah?
Oprah Winfrey has frequently stated that her father “saved her” by providing a strict, disciplined, and education-focused home for her during her troubled teenage years. - Was Vernon Winfrey married to Oprah’s mother, Vernita Lee?
No, Vernon Winfrey and Vernita Lee had a brief relationship but were never married.
Conclusion
Vernon Winfrey was a man who lived a life of profound purpose. He was a barber who built a community, a councilman who served his city, a deacon who guided his congregation, and a father who provided the foundation for unimaginable success. While the world knew him as Oprah’s dad, Nashville knew him as a friend and leader. The story of Vernon Winfrey is a powerful reminder that a life of discipline, hard work, and love can create ripples that change the world. His legacy is not just in the empire his daughter built, but in the countless lives he touched with his quiet strength.
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