Theodore RUNYON

1930 - 2017

RUNYON, Jr., Theodore Hubert Theodore Hubert Runyon, Jr. died May 11, with his wife of 62 years, Cynthia Guild Runyon at his side. Ted was born March 20, 1930 to Rev. Theodore H. Runyon, Sr. and Carol Jett Runyon in Tomahawk, Wisconsin. After graduating from Lawrence College in Appleton, WI, he attended Seminary at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. He and Cindy met on a blind date in his second year at seminary. They married in June 1955 and sailed for Europe, where Ted had a Fulbright scholarship to study at the University of G?ttingen, Germany. He completed there a doctorate on the theology of Paul Tillich and was invited to join the faculty of Candler School of Theology at Emory University in fall 1958. It was a true blessing that at Candler he met colleagues who along with their families became close, life-long friends. In his 40 years at Emory, Professor Runyon taught and inspired over 6000 students, who went on to serve as pastors, missionaries, professors, and lay leaders all over the world. During his first sabbatical year, he was privileged to attend sessions of Vatican II in Rome. He participated in and presided over numerous conferences throughout his career, including co-chairing the Paul Tillich Centennial International Symposium and the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies. He served on the General Conference Commission "Our Theological Task," and chaired "Theology, Politics, and Peace," a conference held at the Carter Center and Emory University. Ted Runyon's numerous publications included most notably The New Creation: John Wesley's Theology Today, now translated into several languages. Recipient of Candler School of Theology's first Emory Williams Distinguished Teaching Award, Professor Runyon also traveled widely, teaching and lecturing in over 20 countries on six continents. He was actively engaged with issues of civil and human rights, economic justice, and the environment. In honor of his own father and in recognition of his connection to the University at G?ttingen, he established the Theodore H. Runyon, Sr. Scholarship for International Students. As a clergy member of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, Ted was not an official member of Glenn Memorial UMC; he was, however, a devoted and active participant, and he and Cindy raised their family in that congregation. Ted Runyon is survived by his wife, Cindy; children Margaret, of New Orleans, LA; David (wife, Sandra) of Clarkston, GA; and Stephen (wife, Sherri) of Rockaway, NJ sister, Carol Mahsun of Holland, MI; sister-in-law, Linda Guild Lake; and nephews Jeffrey Lake (and family) and Douglas Lake. A Service of Thanksgiving for Ted Runyon's Life will be celebrated Monday, May 22, 7:00 pm in the sanctuary of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church. Memorial gifts may be made to the Theodore H. Runyon, Sr. Scholarship Fund for International Students, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; or to Glenn Memorial UMC, 1660 N. Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307.