NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Renowned civil rights champion and Nashville native Francis Guess has died. He was 69 years old.
Guess died at his home, but the exact cause of death was not released.
He worked in then Governor Lamar Alexander’s administration as the Commissioner for the Tennessee departments of Labor and General Services.
“Francis Guess was a Vietnam veteran who became a generous and influential businessman and civic leader. He blazed many trails for equal opportunity and good government. He was a close friend. Honey and I will miss him greatly,” Alexander said in a released statement Friday.
Friday, Mayor Karl Dean released a statement on Guess' passing:
“Francis Guess played an important role in bringing communities together across Nashville. He was a dedicated public servant whose accomplishments included helping to get Tennessee to become one of the first states to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday. Later he served on Metro’s Convention Center Authority and many other boards and commissions. He was a friend whose advice I sought and treasured. And he had a great sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. With Anne, I extend our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Guess was also appointed by President Ronald Reagan as a member of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee has established The Francis S. Guess Fund in his memory.
Those with the fun said donations could be made by visiting them online. Donations could also be mailed to: CFMT-The Francis Guess Fund, 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37215.
Guess’ funeral service was still in the process of being arranged.
