Few people leave behind a legacy that stretches past their closest loved ones, takes deep root within their community, and even reaches across the nation.

Gallatin resident Richard Suter was undoubtedly one of those people. 

Richard was a gift to everyone who knew him.

Richard NEVER met a stranger. 

Richard asked everyone, “How's your day going?” And actually wanted to know the answer. 

Richard would do anything for a laugh— but not for the benefit of his ego.

Richard said, “You can never go wrong loving on people,” and he lived that out. 

On July 13, 2022, Richard lost his battle with pancreatic cancer— but not before inspiring many of his family members, friends, and acquaintances to cling to the three little symbols that sum up his life’s mission.

Two years before his diagnosis, Richard, a photographer for the Tennessee Titans, noticed the symbol “+>-” on the sole of a player’s shoe, meaning “positivity is greater than negativity.” 

He went home that day and told his wife Elizabeth that he’d found his next tattoo. In true Richard fashion, he chose to have the tattoo etched on the top of his wrist so that if you were facing him, the symbol would be read correctly. 

It wasn’t about him. It was never about him. 

At an appointment soon after his diagnosis, Richard took a picture of his IV which was inserted right next to the +>- on his hand. “This is going to mean something completely different to me now,” he told Elizabeth.

What the Suters didn’t know at that moment, is that it was going to mean something to a great deal of other people too. As word of his diagnosis spread, they started receiving gifts with the +>- symbol on it. 

“When people saw those 3 symbols they thought, that IS Richard,” said Elizabeth. “It’s a great mantra, but actually seeing how he fully invested every moment to live out the meaning, and the effect that it had on everyone around him, it was truly a gift to witness. It wasn’t just cool words or symbols, it was him.”

In almost an instant, the love for Richard and his symbol blossomed into a bonafide movement as his loved ones boldly proclaimed +>- using any medium possible. 

Elizabeth started a Facebook group to keep his people up to date on his treatment. Pictures started pouring in from all over the world—even as far as a beach in Normandy—summing up their love and support with those three little, yet so powerful, symbols. 

Then came the swag. Bracelets, t-shirts, yard signs and of course, lots of tattoos. Tyler Martin, owner and artist at Old Soul tattoo, says he gave close to 100 of those tattoos. Richard showed up to every one of the appointments at Old Soul, “loving on” the recipients and marking the occasion with a picture. 

While the weeks passed, the movement continued to gain momentum. Murals were painted and the demand for bracelets increased as Richard’s fans handed out more swag to their own communities. Richard was named Citizen of the Year for Sumner County, which also meant he got to be the Grand Marshall of the Christmas Parade that took place on his 60th birthday.

“It seems weird to say, but it was the BEST year,” Elizabeth said. “The feeling that we were making some sort of impact to the community. It just felt good.” 

As his condition progressed, amidst receiving the strongest chemotherapy treatment available, the Suters were consistently held up by their community.   

“There was NOTHING that we ever needed, ever,” Elizabeth said, adding that thanks to the support provided by the sale of merchandise, there was never a medical bill they couldn’t pay in the same month. 

The outpouring of support was a pure testament to the love and joy he had spread his entire life. 

“He could turn someone’s countenance on a dime,“ Elizabeth said. “He was born positive. He was born a cheerleader.” 

Since his death, the movement continues to spread in unexpected ways. The orders for more bracelets continue at a steady pace as the message behind the symbol persists. 

The Facebook page, originally created to keep his friends up to date on his treatment, has become both a memorial and a medium for continuing Richard’s calling. Group members lift each other up. They make each other laugh. Simply put, they spread +>-.  

Long time friend and Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown declared last year that July 9-15 will be ''Positivity Over Negativity Week” with July 12 as an official “Richard Suter Day.” 

Mayor Brown also handed out the +>- bracelets during the Christmas parade last year. Dance South Studio in White House honored Richard with their Christmas parade float as well. The parade theme was “Heroes,” and what better hero to honor than Richard. 

Dusty Baker, Head Coach of the Houston Astros wore a bracelet during the Major League World Series. Pictures and testaments reach his family weekly as the impact of +>- shows no signs of stopping. 

“It’s really amazing that people still contact me wanting more bracelets,” said Elizabeth. “I love hearing all the stories from people who have gotten to share his message.” 

You can never go wrong loving on people. 

Positivity will always be greater than negativity. 

“He always said that he wanted the message to outlive the man,” said Elizabeth. “So that’s what we gotta do.”

To learn more about Richard’s movement, follow the Facebook page.

You can also order +>- swag here.