Snoop Dogg's Uncle Reo Varnado, Owner Of Reo's Ribs, Died Friday

PORTLAND, OR — There may not have been anyone who did as much to sing the praises of Mississippi-style ribs in Portland than Reo Varnado. His rib joint, Reo's Ribs, was more often than not packed with a line outside.

Varnado, who died Friday night at 10:30, was also the uncle of rapper Snoop Dogg, a regular at the restaurant, popping in when he was in town.

The family has not released the cause of Varnado's death.

"U will be missed," Snoop said on Saturday. "Thank u for loving me and the whole world u were a blessing."

Another of Snoop's uncles, Reo's brother Ricky, broke the news about Reo's death, writing, "my heart is hurting badly...I need prayers & comfort to make it through this rough period in my life!!! R I P my brother, I'm going to miss you dearly!!!"

Reo first opened his place in 1999 at a location on Southwest Tualatin Valley Highway. He would move a few times before finally settling on Sandy in the Hollywood District in 2015.

Snoop was a regular visitor to Reo's whether at its current location or when it was located on Southeast Powell, Macadam, or its original location.

The rapper regularly posted about Reo and his rib joint. He even included his uncle in television specials such as one he did with Martha Stewart, Martha and Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party.

Reo faced two major crises with his restaurant, both related to fire.

In 2017, the restaurant was very badly damaged by fire and forced to close for nearly two years.

In 2020, a woman outside the restaurant had been keeping a fire to stay warm when the flames made their way inside and, again, gutted the restaurant.

Reo and his longtime partner in the restaurant, Myra Girod, had vowed to reopen last year but the pandemic got in the way and the place is still closed.

Like his nephew, Varnado was also musically inclined. He fronted the Portland gospel group, the Beyonds for several years. Snoop produced some of their music.

Varnado even performed with his nephew from time to time. Once the rapper invited his uncle onstage to perform a song he said that they wrote together.

Reo's daughter, Mercedes Varnado, is better known as WWE star and champion, Sasha Banks.