Home Morte

Snoop Dogg's Father Vernell Varnado: The Vietnam Veteran Who Just Turned 76—Age, Biography, And Recent Honors

• minute read
Contents

The question of Snoop Dogg's father's age and identity is more complex than a simple number, leading into a fascinating story of military service, family ties, and a life lived largely outside the spotlight. As of the current date in December 2025, Snoop Dogg’s biological father, Vernell Varnado—affectionately known as "Poppa Snoop"—is 76 years old, having celebrated his birthday on December 13th. His life is a testament to resilience, having served as a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War before embarking on a career as a postal worker and, more recently, becoming the subject of a documentary.

This article dives deep into the life of Vernell Varnado, revealing his full biography, his surprising age difference with the legendary rapper, his recent public honors, and the complete family dynamics that shaped Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., the man the world knows as Snoop Dogg.

The Complete Biography of Vernell Varnado (Poppa Snoop)

Vernell Varnado is not just the father of a hip-hop icon; he is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, a former postal worker, a singer, and a man who has recently been recognized for his continued service to veteran affairs. His life story provides a powerful backdrop to the upbringing of Snoop Dogg.

  • Full Name: Vernell Varnado
  • Nickname: Poppa Snoop
  • Date of Birth: December 13, 1949
  • Current Age (as of December 2025): 76 years old
  • Birthplace: Magnolia, Mississippi, U.S.
  • Children: Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (Snoop Dogg)
  • Career: U.S. Army (Vietnam War veteran), U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier, Singer
  • Military Service: U.S. Army, 1st Cavalry Division
  • Military Honors: Recipient of at least three Purple Heart awards
  • Relationship with Snoop Dogg's Mother: He was involved with Beverly Tate (1951–2021)
  • Recent News: Honored by Atlanta City Officials for his service to Veteran Affairs (late 2024/early 2025)

Vernell Varnado and Beverly Tate, Snoop Dogg's mother, were childhood friends who met in Mississippi, where they were both born. Although they were not together for long after Snoop Dogg's birth, Vernell remained a figure in his son's life, and they share a close relationship today.

The Age Difference: How Old Was Snoop Dogg's Father When He Was Born?

The age gap between Snoop Dogg and his biological father is a clear indicator of the early start to Vernell Varnado's life, especially considering his military service began at a young age.

Vernell Varnado’s Age vs. Snoop Dogg’s Age

Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., was born on October 20, 1971. Vernell Varnado was born on December 13, 1949. This means that Vernell Varnado was just 21 years old when Snoop Dogg was born. This relatively small age gap highlights the fact that Vernell was a young man who was already a decorated veteran when his son was born.

For comparison, as of late 2025, Snoop Dogg is 54 years old, making the age difference between father and son approximately 22 years.

The Impact of Military Service on a Young Father

At the young age of 18, Vernell Varnado was drafted into the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War. His service in the 1st Cavalry Division was intense, and he was shot multiple times, leading to him being awarded the Purple Heart. The most recent reports confirm he has received at least three Purple Heart awards. This profound experience as a decorated veteran shaped the man who would later become "Poppa Snoop."

Snoop Dogg has often spoken about his father's military background, noting the profound respect he has for his service and how his father's experience influenced his own life path. The rapper himself once considered joining the military, reflecting his father's legacy of service.

Recent Honors and The 'Poppa Snoop' Legacy

While Snoop Dogg's fame is global, Vernell Varnado has gained his own recognition, especially in recent years, for his continued dedication to veterans and his life story being documented.

The Third Purple Heart and City Proclamation

In a significant and recent development, Vernell Varnado received his third Purple Heart and was honored by Atlanta City Officials in a ceremony around Veterans Day (late 2024/early 2025). The ceremony recognized his continued service to Veteran Affairs and his bravery during the Vietnam War. This public recognition underscores the fact that "Poppa Snoop" is more than just a celebrity father; he is a dedicated member of the veteran community.

His story is also the subject of a documentary titled The Detroit Mailman - The Streets Don't Love You Back, which chronicles his life from his military service to his career as a mail carrier. Snoop Dogg has publicly congratulated his father on these honors, demonstrating the strong bond they share.

The Role of Snoop Dogg's Stepfather and Mother

To fully understand Snoop Dogg's family life, it's essential to recognize the role of his mother, Beverly Tate, and his stepfather. Snoop Dogg was named after his stepfather, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr. His mother, Beverly Tate, was a dedicated church choir director and author who raised Snoop and his siblings. She passed away in 2021, a loss that profoundly affected the rapper.

Although Vernell Varnado was not a constant presence in Snoop's early childhood—he and Beverly Tate divorced in 1975—he maintained a relationship with his son. The rapper's full name, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr., reflects the complex family history, as he was given the name of the man his mother married, but his biological father's surname was Varnado.

Topical Entities and Key Takeaways

The story of Snoop Dogg's father, Vernell Varnado, is rich with details that add significant depth to the rapper's own history. The key entities and facts that provide topical authority on this subject include:

  • Vernell Varnado (Poppa Snoop): Snoop Dogg's biological father, a decorated veteran.
  • Beverly Tate: Snoop Dogg's late mother, a church choir director and author.
  • Calvin Cordozar Broadus Sr.: Snoop Dogg's stepfather, after whom the rapper was named.
  • December 13, 1949: Vernell Varnado's birth date, making him 76 in late 2025.
  • Vietnam War Veteran: The core of Vernell's personal history, having served in the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division.
  • Purple Heart: The prestigious military decoration Vernell Varnado has received multiple times for being wounded in action.
  • The Detroit Mailman: The documentary that chronicles Vernell Varnado's life and service.
  • Recent Atlanta Honors: The city's recent proclamation recognizing his service to veterans, confirming his current public activity.

In conclusion, the age of Snoop Dogg's father, Vernell Varnado, is 76 years old as of December 2025. His identity is intertwined with a powerful legacy of military service and resilience, a narrative that continues to be celebrated and documented, adding a profound layer to the family history of one of hip-hop’s most enduring legends.

snoop dogg father age
snoop dogg father age

Detail Author:

  • Name : Jamarcus Pagac
  • Username : stiedemann.antonetta
  • Email : alivia20@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1982-08-19
  • Address : 48910 Aleen Branch Apt. 425 West Rossie, MI 23619
  • Phone : 1-445-417-8525
  • Company : Nienow, Wyman and Cormier
  • Job : Psychology Teacher
  • Bio : Rerum ut qui earum necessitatibus. Corrupti voluptatem quaerat et deserunt. Vel non sed consequatur veritatis totam quam dolorum.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/chelsea4288
  • username : chelsea4288
  • bio : Iste vero pariatur nam tempore delectus et suscipit quas.
  • followers : 2605
  • following : 268

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@chelsea.nolan
  • username : chelsea.nolan
  • bio : Accusamus est fugiat sed quos nam qui. A modi aspernatur tenetur id quas iure.
  • followers : 1872
  • following : 521

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/chelsea.nolan
  • username : chelsea.nolan
  • bio : Et optio quia quis vel. Quos nulla quae laborum magni. Rerum in vel commodi a modi ea alias.
  • followers : 6254
  • following : 1472

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/cnolan
  • username : cnolan
  • bio : Adipisci et omnis ab magnam molestias repellat qui. Laboriosam sed maiores distinctio vero nihil velit dolor. Facilis mollitia consequuntur temporibus.
  • followers : 6974
  • following : 974

Random Posts