William Cunningham

WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, was born May 6, 1937, in Chester, South Carolina to the late James Cunningham and Rosa Blake Cunningham. He was the seventh of 10 children. On October 18, 2019, William peacefully transitioned after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was educated in the Chester County school system and attended Finley High School, until he joined the United States Navy in 1955. While serving in the Navy, William was able to travel the world and often spoke about his time in Scotland and Okinawa, Japan. When William was not deployed, he would periodically take leave and visit his family in South Carolina. It was during this time that he met his wife, Fronie Craig at a church revival. Over the next few years, although William continued his military service, he and Fronie continued their courtship. He was persistent, and even visited Fronie while she lived in Mt. Vernon, New York. In 1959 William was honorably discharged from the Navy and settled in Baltimore with family. Shortly after, Fronie followed. They were married on May 23, 1959. From that union four daughters were born: Trina, Glinda, Frada and Tamgra. William was a hard-working man who always provided for his family. For the majority of his adult life, he was a painter at the Shipbuilding and Drydock Company of Maryland. After his tenure at Maryland Drydock, he was employed by Baltimore County Public Schools, where he retired as a maintenance worker. In additional to full-time employment, William also worked part-time as a taxi driver in the Baltimore area. He enjoyed driving so much, eventually he purchased a cab and worked for himself. So many stories and experiences were had while driving in the city of Baltimore. During his childhood William attended church regularly and gave his life to Christ at an early age. In the late 1960’s he and his wife became members of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. He had a jovial personality and was well loved by his church family. As an active church member, William was a member of The United Methodist Men and usher board, where he served as president years ago. As a social person, William spent a good part of his life being a member of a variety of organizations. He was a 33° Mason and member of the M.W. Zerubbabel Grand Lodge of Baltimore, Maryland until his health began to decline. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He adored his wife, four daughters and their many accomplishments. Once his daughters married, his love was extended to his sons-in-law. William also found joy in being a “Pop-Pop,” and telling animated stories to his grandchildren. He would love to sit on the porch for hours and talk to neighbors, while enjoying his cigars. William was preceded in death by his daughter, Trina Cunningham. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Fronie Cunningham; loving daughters, Glinda Cunningham-Jordan, Frada CunninghamLynn (Wilbert Jr.), and Tamgra Cunningham-Samuel (Edward); six grandchildren, Jessica Lynn Melton (Devin), Wilbert Lynn III (Brittny), Breah Samuel, Wesley Samuel, Erin and Earl Jordan; five great-grandchildren Devin Matthew, Zaria, Desmond, Wilbert IV, and Zane. He also leaves two siblings: sister, Janie Frazier of Detroit, Michigan and brother, Tommy Cunningham of San Bernardino, California; one brother-in-law, Frank Rosborough, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Tributes

William Cunningham

May 6, 1937 - October 18, 2019