Tennessee Governor. He attended Cumberland University, (1937-39), received a law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1942 and was a Federal Bureau of Investigations Agent. During World War II, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps U.S. Army (1943-46) and then in the Reserves for a few years. After his military service, he served as chief counsel for the Tennessee State Railroad and Public Utilities Commission. In 1952, he was elected as a Democrat to be the 41st Governor of Tennessee serving until 1959. As Governor, he inaugurated the organization of the Department of Mental Health, created the state's first speech and hearing center, began a highway construction project and provided free textbooks for school children. After leaving office, he served as a member of the National Governors Association Executive Committee and practiced law until his death in an automobile accident at age 49.
Tennessee Governor. He attended Cumberland University, (1937-39), received a law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1942 and was a Federal Bureau of Investigations Agent. During World War II, he served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Military Police Corps U.S. Army (1943-46) and then in the Reserves for a few years. After his military service, he served as chief counsel for the Tennessee State Railroad and Public Utilities Commission. In 1952, he was elected as a Democrat to be the 41st Governor of Tennessee serving until 1959. As Governor, he inaugurated the organization of the Department of Mental Health, created the state's first speech and hearing center, began a highway construction project and provided free textbooks for school children. After leaving office, he served as a member of the National Governors Association Executive Committee and practiced law until his death in an automobile accident at age 49.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Family Members
Advertisement
