Vernon Winfrey (1933-2022) was a Nashville barber and entrepreneur who later served as a city councilman. He founded Winfrey’s Barber Shop in East Nashville and was elected to the Metro Nashville City Council in the mid-1970s.
He represented the Fifth District on the council for sixteen years and later served on state boards such as the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees. His career is noted for blending entrepreneurship with civic leadership.
| Fact Category | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vernon Winfrey |
| Birth Year | 1933 |
| Birthplace | Mississippi, USA |
| Hometown | Kosciusko, Mississippi |
| Military Service | U.S. Army (Korean War era) |
| Education | High school via G.I. Bill |
| Trade Training | Haslam Barber College |
| Occupation | Barber; entrepreneur |
| Business Founded | Winfrey’s Barber Shop (1965) |
| Business Tenure | 50+ years |
| Political Role | Metro Nashville Council |
| Years of Service | 1975–1991 |
| Public Boards | TSU Trustee; State Barber Board |
| Industry Honor | Barber Hall of Fame (2016) |
| Net Worth | No verified public estimate |
Early Professional Life & Work Discipline
After two years of military service during the Korean conflict, Winfrey moved to Nashville in 1955 seeking better opportunities. He took on very humble jobs – working as a hospital pot washer and as a janitor at Vanderbilt University – experiences that he later said taught him a strong work ethic.
Using benefits from the G.I. Bill finished his high school education at age 25 and then enrolled in barber training. Winfrey graduated from Haslam Barber College in 1963, a milestone that launched his career as a professional barber. These early years exemplified the discipline and persistence that would characterize his later business and civic life.
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Career as a Nashville Barber & Businessman
After barber school, Winfrey opened his own shop and became a fixture in the community. In 1965 he opened Winfrey’s Barber Shop in East Nashville, which he operated from the same location for decades.
He expanded his entrepreneurship by running a small attached store selling everyday items to neighbors, making the shop a local hub. Over more than fifty years behind the chair, Winfrey earned a reputation as a master barber and mentor to younger stylists.
In 2016 Nashville honored him by inducting him into the National Barber Hall of Fame, recognizing a lifetime of dedication to his craft. Even into his late eighties, Winfrey continued to cut hair each week, underscoring his dedication to the profession.
Public Service Career: Former Nashville City Councilman
Winfrey entered politics in 1975 when he was elected to the Metro Nashville Council for the Fifth District (covering East Nashville). He served on the council until 1991, winning re-election twice and building a record on local issues.
He often used his barbershop as an informal constituency office, meeting with residents and addressing neighborhood concerns right where they lived. Among his projects were efforts to revitalize the Cleveland Park neighborhood and improve city services in East Nashville.
After leaving elected office, Winfrey remained engaged in public service: he served as a trustee of Tennessee State University and on the Tennessee State Barber Board, roles that reflected his commitment to education and to the barbering profession.
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Professional Values, Leadership & Reputation
Throughout his career, Winfrey was known for discipline, integrity and a commitment to helping others. He often emphasized hard work and self-reliance – for example, stating that he wanted to “leave East Nashville in better shape than [he] found it,” reflecting his practical approach to community improvement.
Local officials noted that he dedicated his life to entrepreneurship and mentoring young people, blending his business acumen with a strong sense of service.
Colleagues remembered Winfrey as patient and caring; he took many young barbers and community members under his wing, teaching them both technical skills and life lessons.
His consistent work ethic and personal example helped cement his reputation as a trusted and respected leader in Nashville.
Career Legacy & Lasting Impact
Winfrey’s impact on Nashville endures through institutions and people he influenced. In Cleveland Park, the main neighborhood street and community center now carry his name, keeping his contributions visible to residents.
In 2011 he spearheaded the Winberry Place development – rebuilding his barbershop and adding new housing and retail – as a catalyst to encourage further investment in East Nashville.
Many barbers credit Winfrey for their own success, recalling how he mentored them and encouraged good decisions. Through decades of entrepreneurship and public service, Winfrey left a lasting imprint on the community: a legacy of empowerment, mentorship and civic pride that continues to inspire Nashville today.
How much was Vernon Winfrey worth when he died?
At the time of death, no reliable public estimate was published for Vernon Winfrey’s personal net worth. He worked for decades as a barber and small-business owner (running an East Nashville barbershop since the 1960s) and served 16 years on the Nashville Metro Council.
He also served as a board trustee of Tennessee State University. These were his primary income sources. No major financial outlet has published an estimate of his wealth, so any circulated figure is unverified and his true net worth is unknown.
FAQs
Who was Vernon Winfrey?
Vernon Winfrey was an American barber, entrepreneur, and public servant based in Nashville, Tennessee. He was known for operating a long-running barbershop and serving on the Metro Nashville City Council.
When and where was Vernon Winfrey born?
Vernon Winfrey was born in 1933 in Mississippi. He is commonly associated with Kosciusko, Mississippi, as his hometown.
Did Vernon Winfrey serve in the military?
Yes, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War era. His military service preceded his move to Nashville.
What was Vernon Winfrey’s profession?
He was a professional barber and small-business owner for more than five decades. He also held elected office and served in appointed public roles.
When did Vernon Winfrey open his barbershop?
He opened Winfrey’s Barber Shop in East Nashville in 1965. The shop operated from the same location for decades.
