This is the published obit for my dad:
Riviera Beach - John W. Cunningham died December 20, 2007 following an extended illness. Born June 13, 1928 in Plant City, Florida and grew up there on the family farm. He attended Fessenden Academy in Ocala and in 1952 graduated with a degree in Business from Florida A&M University. He spent much of his adult life with his family in the West Palm Beach area. In 1960 Mr. Cunningham became the second black licensed independent insurance agent in the state of Florida. He founded and operated Cunningham Insurance Agency for more than 25 years before retiring in 1987. The balance of his life was spent pursuing other business interests, working to improve his community and serving his church. He also enjoyed travel which has taken him to Europe and South America. His interest in improving the community led him in 1989 to serve a term on the city council of Riviera Beach. Above all, he dedicated himself to his church and family. Mr. Cunningham was known for his “quiet strength,” was a member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, has been active with Bealsville Incorporated, the One Hundred Black Men of Palm Beach, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the FAMU Alumni Association. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Isabella Green Cunningham; his daughter, Latricia Cunningham Donley and husband William of Miami; sons, Juan Cunningham and wife Sharon of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Karlon Cunningham of Atlanta. Mr. Cunningham is also survived by his siblings, Ida White of Plant City, Rena Turner of Tampa, GS Cunningham of Plant City and TJ Cunningham, Esq. of West Palm Beach; grandchildren, Hillery and John P. Cunningham of Jacksonville and William III and John Donley of Miami, together with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mr. Cunningham will be conducted at the Mt. Zion Church in Riviera Beach; in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the church's building fund. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
These were fairly basic facts, but it did not tell the whole story of the person. A father that always made me feel special, as I could always see an "I am proud of you" and "I love you son" in his expression and tone. While I felt special I believe that he conveyed that same message to my older sister and younger brother. What a Dad! In terms of emotions we were a very rich family. I will miss him, as will my mom, sister, brothers and others that knew him. I love you dad.
Riviera Beach - John W. Cunningham died December 20, 2007 following an extended illness. Born June 13, 1928 in Plant City, Florida and grew up there on the family farm. He attended Fessenden Academy in Ocala and in 1952 graduated with a degree in Business from Florida A&M University. He spent much of his adult life with his family in the West Palm Beach area. In 1960 Mr. Cunningham became the second black licensed independent insurance agent in the state of Florida. He founded and operated Cunningham Insurance Agency for more than 25 years before retiring in 1987. The balance of his life was spent pursuing other business interests, working to improve his community and serving his church. He also enjoyed travel which has taken him to Europe and South America. His interest in improving the community led him in 1989 to serve a term on the city council of Riviera Beach. Above all, he dedicated himself to his church and family. Mr. Cunningham was known for his “quiet strength,” was a member of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, has been active with Bealsville Incorporated, the One Hundred Black Men of Palm Beach, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the FAMU Alumni Association. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Isabella Green Cunningham; his daughter, Latricia Cunningham Donley and husband William of Miami; sons, Juan Cunningham and wife Sharon of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Karlon Cunningham of Atlanta. Mr. Cunningham is also survived by his siblings, Ida White of Plant City, Rena Turner of Tampa, GS Cunningham of Plant City and TJ Cunningham, Esq. of West Palm Beach; grandchildren, Hillery and John P. Cunningham of Jacksonville and William III and John Donley of Miami, together with a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mr. Cunningham will be conducted at the Mt. Zion Church in Riviera Beach; in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the church's building fund. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
These were fairly basic facts, but it did not tell the whole story of the person. A father that always made me feel special, as I could always see an "I am proud of you" and "I love you son" in his expression and tone. While I felt special I believe that he conveyed that same message to my older sister and younger brother. What a Dad! In terms of emotions we were a very rich family. I will miss him, as will my mom, sister, brothers and others that knew him. I love you dad.
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