Winfield Dunn — who was elected Tennessee governor in his first run for public office in 1970 — died Saturday.

He was 97. 

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Winfield Dunn as seen in undated photo

When he took office in 1971, Dunn became the first Republican governor in Tennessee in more than 50 years.

Some of Dunn's accomplishments as governor included his creating a statewide kindergarten program, establishing public parks, prioritizing highway construction and creating the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Dunn made his achievements with a state legislature controlled by Democrats.

Dunn served only one term, but his success began a time of Republican emergence. He is remembered for his civil demeanor and as a champion of programs that many feel unified the state. 

Born in Meridian, Miss., on July 1, 1927, Dunn enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and subsequently served as a reserve lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1950 and continued his education at what is now the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, earning his D.D.S. degree and later practicing dentistry in Shelby County.

Dunn also served as chairman of both the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and the Tennessee State Board of Regents.

“Governor Winfield Dunn was, simply put, a genuine statesman,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement.

“He was a true servant of the people of Tennessee. He led with principled integrity, a strong faith, and a gracious love for others. Our state is a better place because of his service and leadership. Maria and I join all Tennesseans in honoring Governor Dunn’s life, and we pray for Betty and the Dunn family in the days ahead."

This article was first published by our sister publication the Nashville Post.