Former Gov. Winfield Dunn dies at 97
Former Gov. Winfield Dunn died peacefully at home with his family on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the age of 97.
Dunn served as governor of Tennessee from 1971 to 1975. Prior to his election, Dunn had never held public office, and was the first Republican governor the state had elected in 50 years.
Born Bryant Winfield Culberson Dunn 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.
After the war, Dunn graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1950 and married his wife, Betty, the daughter of a Memphis dentist, that same year.
He worked in the insurance industry for several years before he continued his education at the University of Tennessee Medical Units in Memphis. After earning his D.D.S. Dunn practiced dentistry in Shelby County.
He ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1962 but was elected as the chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party, and attended the first of many Republican National Conventions as a delegate.
During his tenure as Governor, Dunn contributed to Tennessee’s flourishing by creating a statewide kindergarten program, establishing public parks, prioritizing highway construction, and creating the Department of Economic and Community Development.
As the Tennessee Constitution prevented governors from holding a second term at the time, Dunn returned to the private sector in 1975, working for the Hospital Corporation of America and then at several Memphis-based healthcare companies.
Dunn also served as chairman of both the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and the Tennessee State Board of Regents in addition to roles with various charities.
Current Gov. Bill Lee said Dunn's life was marked by profound faith, a deep love for his family and friends, and unwavering service to the people of Tennessee.
“Gov. Winfield Dunn was, simply put, a genuine statesman,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “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.”
U.S. Rep. David Kustoff also honored Dunn's legacy.
“Roberta and I are saddened to hear about the passing of Gov. Winfield Dunn," Kustoff said. "He was a favorite son of West Tennessee who, through his service, inspired so many people all across the state of Tennessee. We are especially thinking about Betty, his favorite first lady and best girl, whom you rarely saw without him, and whose life exemplified a life well-lived. I was honored to travel, campaign, and work with Gov. Dunn on many occasions, and I always came away understanding that public service done right has the ability to change the lives of so many people."
Dunn is survived by his wife, Betty, and their three children, Chuck, Gayle and Julie.