Winfield Dunn, DDS, a former dentist who became governor of Tennessee, died Sept. 28 at the age of 97.
A U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran, Dr. Dunn earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee Medical Units in Memphis and went on to practice dentistry in Shelby County, according to a news release from current Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.
Dr. Dunn was elected governor of Tennessee in 1970 as the state's first republican governor in 50 years. He is known for several achievements during time in public office, including creating a statewide kindergarten program, establishing public parks and creating the state's Department of Economic and Community Development.