Ray Cunningham, 61, of Patterson, passed away early Monday, August 14, 2023, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross, following an extended illness.
Born January 10, 1962, in Blackshear, he was a son of the late RC and Lucy Anderson Cunningham. He lived most of his life in Pierce County and was a 1980 graduate of Patterson High School. He also obtained his master’s degree from the University of Georgia and was retired from the Pierce County Board of Education as an elementary school teacher with Patterson Elementary School.
He was a longtime member of Patterson Baptist Church and had served as the church pianist since childhood.
An active member of his community, he was the former City Clerk with the City of Patterson and the Director of Eagle Station. He had served on the Eagle Station Board of Directors, the Eagle Station Art Committee and as a Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.
Following his illness, he continued serving as an advisor to the Eagle Station Board, the Chamber of Commerce Board, and other organizations.
He was instrumental in bringing wholesome entertainment and revived community spirit, through stage shows, concerts and other programs. Awarded for his community service, he was the 2021 Pierce County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and the 2019 Dow Nimmer Award recipient.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an aunt, Mary Anderson Crawford.
Survivors include his 4 children, Rhett Cunningham (wife Taylor), Columbus, Reason Cunningham of Wyoming, Emmaline Cunningham, Gainesville and Ryan Cunningham, Dahlonega; a granddaughter, Sophia Cunningham; a sister and brother-in-law, Rita and David McNeal, Blackshear; half-brother and sister-in-law, Freddie and Jackie Cunningham, Alma; niece, Bailey Griffis (husband Timothy), Blackshear; nephew, Dutch McNeal (wife Ally), Blackshear; two aunts, Blanche “Sugar” Coburn and Margaret Hodges, both of Hardeeville, SC; uncle, Lloyd Anderson, Patterson; his caregivers, Eric and Erica Wright, Patterson and numerous cousins and many friends and other relatives.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. and also immediately following the service Wednesday, August 16, at the Patterson Baptist Church.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 16, from the Patterson Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the Laura Chapel Cemetery.
The family requests the staff and employees of the City of Patterson to serve as honorary pallbearers. They are asked to please be at the church by 10:45 a.m. Wednesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31503 or to Patterson Baptist Church, PO Box 385, Patterson, GA 31557.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
