RL Cunningham

RL Cunningham, 89, of Alexander, met Jesus face to face on Sunday, August 1, 2021, after a rapid decline in health.

Born February 9, 1932 in Haywood Co., RL was a son of the late Walter and Virginia Burris Cunningham. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Jessie Cunningham, and granddaughter, Marilyn Fullbright.

RL was a graduate of Franklin High School, class of 1950, and a 1958 graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in chemistry. He had a long career in clean water and waste water management, first with the State of NC and then with the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Asheville.

RL was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War.

He enjoyed baseball and softball, having played in college and in industrial league ball, and he coached multiple Little League teams. He was also an avid fisherman and hunter, with many grand adventures. He was a member of Elkwood Methodist Church.

RL lived life every day, finding joy in all things. He loved well and unconditionally, and was much loved in return. He was a great supporter of his children and grandchildren in all their pursuits.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Marilyn Penland Cunningham; children, Sandra Young (Steve), Richard Lance, and James Barry (Amie); others he considered as his children, Tamara Byrd (Rick), Tonya Davis (Mark), Scott Franklin, and Jason Franklin; grandchildren, Megan O’Kelley, Ryan Cunningham, Magan Hicks, Matt, Monica and Marcus Byrd, and Kelsey Fullbright; and a host of others whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home, with Rev. Clark Henderson officiating. Burial will follow at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.