Nashville, reported on Saturday that Vernon died at the age of 88 after battling cancer

In addition to being known as the media mogul's father, Vernon also had a barber shop in East Nashville and worked as a city councilman

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While it has been reported that he was battling cancer before his passing, it's unclear what type of cancer he was diagnosed with

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Vernon's passing comes only days after Oprah celebrated him on Independence Day or, as she dubbed it, "Vernon Winfrey Appreciation Day

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On Instagram, Oprah shared a video, captured by her friend Gayle King, in which she described the festivities that she set up for her father

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She explained that they set up a barbecue and invited all of Vernon's loved ones so that they could celebrate him

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Vernon had no idea that the celebration was going to be for him, as he thought that it was going to be a Fourth of July party

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King then panned the camera to show fans their set-up, which featured tables full of barbecue goodies such as fried chicken and hamburgers

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