Sue G. Atkinson passed away on Sept. 13, 2021, at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with injuries suffered as a result of a car accident in 2012. She endured numerous surgeries, rehabilitations, and recoveries with the utmost grace and stoicism. Her family will forever be grateful for her love, wisdom, and quiet strength.
A memorial service for Sue will be held on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, at 1:30 p.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church at 4715 Harding Pike in Belle Meade. A visitation with family will begin at noon at the church.
Sue was born in 1940 in Meridian, Mississippi, to George R. Golden and Mary Sue E. Golden. Her family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where her father was the first interior designer for Elvis at Graceland.
Her love for Nashville began in the late 1950s, when she enrolled in Vanderbilt University, where she was known to her friends as "Sue Rae." Following graduation, she taught Latin and math at John Overton High School. She then joined the development team at Channel 8, now Nashville Public Television, where she was instrumental in the growth of the "Action Auction."
She discovered her passion for public relations in the late 1970s and over the following three decades became well-known as one of Nashville's pioneering public relations professionals. Her career was filled with visible successes, accomplishments, and national recognition for her work — but she was equally valued for her behind-the-scenes, confidential counsel that often had a more long-lasting positive impact on businesses than public campaigns.
Sue first joined Holder Kennedy where she rose to become the firm's president and worked with the likes of Nissan, First American, and some of Nashville's biggest companies and top executives.
In 1986, she founded Atkinson Public Relations. In addition to Nissan and First American, her clients included the original owners of the Nashville Predators, HCA Healthcare and its subsidiary TriStar Health, and other companies too numerous to mention. Late in her career, Sue helped launch Pinnacle Financial Partners and took immense pride in watching the company grow as a board member.
In 1987, Sue married her soulmate, Marvin T. Runyon. There a no words to describe how much two people were destined to be together and in love. Alone they were amazing people. Together, they were a force for so much good. Sue's love for Marvin continued every day since he passed in 2004.
Sue will always be remembered for her love of Christmas. She and Marvin always had a 20-foot Christmas tree that she decorated herself. Their Christmas party every year on December 23 was one of Nashville's most memorable parties.
Outside of her busy professional career, Sue was very active in the Nashville business and nonprofit community, volunteering for dozens of organizations, serving on boards, committees and chairing events. She was also a member of St. George's Episcopal Church, where she took great joy being a member of the "Loose Canons."
Sue is survived by her son, Brannan Atkinson; daughter-in-law, Amy A. Atkinson; and her brother, Tom Golden.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, her mother, and her late husband.
In lieu of flowers, Sue's family asks that you make donations to the Nashville Humane Association, P.E.N.C.I.L. Foundation, or St. George's Episcopal Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Atkinson family.
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