Vernon Winfrey, father of Oprah Winfrey and a former member of the Nashville Metro Council, died late Friday at the age of 88, Oprah confirmed. Winfrey wrote on Instagram: “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.” 

The post was accompanied by a video of gospel singer Wintley Phipps serenading Vernon Winfrey at a “Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Celebration” Oprah organized in his Nashville back yard on July 4.  Oprah wrote: “Less than a week