Richard Cunningham

Richard "June" Cunningham Jr. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. He was born on August 17, 1933, in Monroe County, Alabama via midwife to the union of Richard and Mattie Cunningham. Richard was the 5th child of eight children and the 2nd of three sons. As a member of Mount Zion MBC Richard accepted God at an early age. His childhood was spent working the family homestead and aiding his father who was an entrepreneur and cook for work camps as far away as New Orleans, Louisiana and Northern Florida. Following in his older brother's, Willie Cunningham's, footsteps, Richard ventured out into the world at the age of 15 working odd jobs in Miami, Florida. With the desire to move north Richard migrated from the Jim Crow south to Galesburg, Illinois following his older sister and Matriarch of the family, Creola Davidson. It was in Galesburg where Richard met and later married Joann Stevenson on February 14, 1955. The couple migrated to Chicago, Illinois where they found employment, set up a family, and started their careers. The couple joined Original Philadelphia MBC in Chicago under the pastoral leadership of Reverend L. W. Nance where he served as a Deacon. Richard was employed by Clark & Maple Chevrolet where his love for cars grew into a career as a Certified Auto Technician for General Motors and a standing member of the Local 701 Mechanics Union. Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Richard opened Friendly Auto in Calumet City, IL. with a close friend Eddie Anderson in 1991 where he worked until retirement. After retirement Richard continued to work towing cars until 2013. Richard is the father of three children, Linda Britton (Deceased), Marshall Hawkins of Clinton, MS, and Kevin Cunningham of Richmond, VA. He is the grandfather of six and the great grandfather of thirteen. Richard leaves to mourn his three siblings, Creola Davidson (age 100), Panzola Gandy (age 98), and Dorothy Jeffries (age 88); four siblings preceded him in death Billie Dove Cunningham, Willie Cunningham, Ann Smith, and Kenneth Cunningham. He is also beloved by a host of nieces and nephews. The Cunningham family asks that any sympathy cards, letters of encouragement or flowers be sent to Original Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, 6558 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60621

Richard Cunningham

October 1, 1933 - March 20, 2024