Vernon Winfrey, Oprah Winfrey's father, died late Friday after battling cancer, Oprah announced in a statement. He was 89.
Image Credit - CNN
"Yesterday with family surrounding his bedside I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life, take his last breath," Oprah said
Image Credit - CNN
A tribute written on Oprah Daily, Oprah's lifestyle outlet, said Oprah was able to spend time with her father in Nashville during his final weeks.
Image Credit - CNN
On July 4, Vernon was surprised with a "Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Celebration" and backyard barbecue, where he was surrounded by friends and loved ones.
Image Credit - CNN
The celebration was a way to give her father his "'flowers while he's still well enough to smell them," Oprah said in an earlier post.
Image Credit - CNN
During the celebration, Oprah's friend and gospel singer Wintley Phipps sang for him. "He FELT the love and reveled in it until he could no longer speak," she wrote.
Image Credit - CNN
Vernon was a well known barber in his community and served on the Metro Nashville Council for 16 years.
Image Credit - CNN
Well known for his barbershop, Winfrey Barber & Beauty Shop, and achievements during his 16 years Metro Nashville Council, many in the community mourned the loss of Vernon after his long battle with cancer.
Image Credit - CNN
The cause of Vernon’s death has not yet been confirmed regarding if it had anything to do with his battle with cancer.
Image Credit - CNN
Gary Lymon, a barber who worked with Vernon in his shop for more than eight years said he is heartbroken.