David Edwin Cunningham went to be with the Lord of his life on February 17, 2025, surrounded by his children. His family and friends are deeply saddened and shocked by his unexpected passing caused by a sudden illness.
Throughout his life, David successfully experienced a variety of professional careers. He was a vice president of his hometown bank. He later graduated with honors to become an educator with specialties in assistive technology and special education. He was an advocate for special needs students and their families.
He most recently enjoyed his passion as an ordained pastor in the Church of his Lord Jesus Christ. He walked alongside many, leading them to Christ, celebrating their victories, mourning their losses, and loving them always.
David brought joy to many with his sense of humor and laughter. He was a talented musician and singer, enjoying time on the stage performing in theater. He was an artist, writer, and storyteller. David was an adventurer, enjoying skiing, hiking, and scuba diving. He was also an avid treasure hunter, frequenting thrift stores, antique stores, and yard sales.
He is survived by his three beautiful children and their spouses: Melissa and Michael Gum, Emily and David Medlock, and Spencer and Abigail Cunningham. He was and is the most amazing Papaw to six grandchildren: Owen, Elsie, and Milo Gum; Thea and Rosalee Medlock; and, arriving soon, Maeli Cunningham. He is loved and missed by his mother and friend, Wilma Henry, who was cherished, encouraged, and loved endlessly by her “number one son.”
His family was always his first calling, believing that to love and reach the world would feel empty if one of his own was to go astray.
Of his three children, the oldest, Melissa, says, “Dad taught me that being a parent was a higher calling than being a friend, and yet he was both.”
Emily, his middle child, says, “Daddy always held me even when I was a grown woman, and when he did, I felt as safe as a baby in my father’s arms.”
Spencer, his son, was quoted saying, “My dad is always with me, in my laugh, my wisdom, and my love for God. He would say to me, ‘Son, get to know well the God of your fathers.'”
He will be remembered fondly by his siblings: Terry Cunningham, William Cunningham, Jr., Sherry Trujillo, Dennis Cunningham, Mary Rose Ware, and Bud Shingleton. He was a well-loved Uncle Dave to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He loved generously and extended the title of family to many, including grandbabies Bradley and Palyn Wallace and Jameson Rose.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, his father, William Righter Cunningham, his grandmother, Belva Hall, and his Papaw, Rufus Hall, Sr.
David wished to be cremated, requesting that his ashes be placed over the Continental Divide at Loveland Pass, Colorado, with his daughter and grandmother at her grave in Big Elk, West Virginia, and over the grave of his father, William Righter Cunningham.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting contributions to cover the service expenses.
Friends will be received Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 12 PM (noon) to 8 PM and Wednesday, February 26 from 4 PM to 5:30 PM at The Way of Holiness Church in Buckhannon. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 5:30 PM at the church with Pastor Jerry Murrell officiating.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangement.
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