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Michael Cunningham Obituary
Dr. Cunningham was a cum laude graduate of Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., (1970 to 1974) and St. Louis University Medical School (1974 to 1978). He served his Family Practice Residency at University of SC School of Medicine Richland Memorial Hospital, Columbia, S.C., (1978 to 1981) and joined Buena Vista Medical Associates (1981 to 2008). Dr. Michael Cunningham volunteered for the Rockbridge Area Free Clinic since it opened in 1992. He joined the Stonewall Jackson Hospital Medical staff in 1981 and served on the Board of Directors 1988 to 1997 and on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors from 1991 to 1997. Dr. Cunningham was a contract physician at Stonewall Jackson Hospital Emergency Room 1981 to 2000. As a member of Rockbridge Medical Society, he was on the Medical staff executive board 1988 to 1991 and was Chief of Staff at Stonewall Jackson Hospital in 1991. He served as Medical Examiner for Rockbridge County October 1981 to October 2008. He was a member of Rockbridge American Cancer Society 1992 to 2000 and Rockbridge Community Mental Health Board 1983 to 1985. Dr. Cunningham was preceptor for the University of Virginia, School of Medicine, where he received Outstanding Preceptor of the year award from UVA Medical School 1996 to 1997. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Rockbridge Area Hospice 1999 to 2000 and the Medical Director 2000 to 2008 He was recipient of the first Hospice Hero of the Year award 2005. He was Operational Medical Director (OMD) for the Central Shenandoah Valley EMS 1985 to 1992. He was the OMD for the Buena Vista Rescue Squad 1983 to 1993. He was a member of the Buena Vista Rescue Squad Board of Directors 2006 to 2008.
Surviving are his wife, Sara M. Cunningham; three children, Lee Cunningham, Ryan Cunningham, and Jenna Cunningham, all of Lexington; a brother, Daniel Cunningham and wife, Hope, of St. Louis, Mo.; special friends, Tim Garvey, of Birmingham, Ala., Charlie Scala, of Chicago, and Chris O'Reilly-Green, of Modesto, Calif.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory, to Rockbridge Area Hospice, P.O. Box 948, Lexington, Va. 24450 or FOR Swimming, Inc., P.O. Box 1552, Lexington, Va. 24450.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at Jackson Memorial Hall, VMI, Lexington, Va. The family will receive friends at Moody Hall, VMI immediately following the service. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cunningham
Sheila Coleman
October 18, 2019
Dr Cunningham was one doctor that uphold his calling. Im seeing other doctors that are good in their job but none can fill his shoes for he went beyond to get answers to your problems. He was also
Michaelas doctor up to his leaving. We loved him dearly. Thank you so much Dr Cunningham for being the true person you were. RIP.
Cindy McCrory
October 28, 2008
Oh Sara, I am so, so sad to learn of Michael's shocking death. My heart goes out to you, Lee, Ryan and Jenna. I send my deepest love to each of you and I feel blessed to have known him even in the small snatches of time we had together. I called Carter yesterday and of course he too is so sorry and stunned by tne loss of your beautiful husband and loving father. All my love, Cindy McCrory
Dianne Daniels (T)
October 25, 2008
Dear Sara, My heart breaks at the news of Mike's death. I have so many wonderful memories of the four of us spending time together, and of course our wedding when the two of you stood up for us. Mike was just one-of-a-kind, just a great guy. You and the kids are on my mind and in my heart during this sad time.
Dianne
Judy Swoope
October 24, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dr. Cunningham was a wonderful, caring physician. He has been my family doctor since the early 1980's (1981?). He was very special and very patient with me and my babies through the years and is sadly missed. Our loss is certainly Heaven's gain.
Lisa Mays
October 24, 2008
To the family and staff of Buena Vista Medical, Dr.C was a very wonderful person and doctor. Rockbridge County was blessed to have a physician such as Dr. C. My sympathy goes out to the family and staff/friends.
Phyllis and Bill Dorfman
October 24, 2008
How saddened we are to learn of Michael's untimely death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sara and your beautiful, supportive children. Phyllis and Bill Dorfman, Lauderdale by the Sea, Fl.
The Colemans
October 24, 2008
Dr. Cunningham was my attending physician for several years. He would always do his best to find solutions to your medical needs and if he could not, he would send you to someone who would. In 2007 I had an injury from work and I went to him for answers to why my injuries were not getting any better. He gave me the answers and stated that he would do some research when he went home. He referred me to a pain specialist who diagnosed my condition as RSD and helped me with confronting my pain issues. I know in my heart that Dr. Cunningham will be greatly missed not only for his contributions in the medical field but for the strength he gave to our our little town of Buena Vista.
Avis & Kelly Cook Sr.
October 24, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Dr. C was the best Doctor. This community has been blessed for many years to have him. He will never be forgotten. He took such good care of my son. I will cherish his memories forever!!!! Thanks for the wonderful care!!
Carolyn (Lyn) Hammett
October 24, 2008
I did not know, my doctor friend, that you would be gone within a short time after I left you and Sara Tuesday. I will miss you and our little chats as doctor/patient/friend. My best wishes for your wonderful family! Lyn
Dinah Masters
October 24, 2008
I am heart broken from a loss of a wonderful Physician that was loved and honored by patients, co-workers, friends and family members. I know you are in a special place . God has a need for you in his home.
Pam Thomas
October 24, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. He will be sadly missed by many. Wonderful Doctor!! May God give you the strength to get thru this difficult time.
Pam, Craig & Hayley Thomas
Cindy Henson
October 24, 2008
Meny Tears are shed and meny sleepless nights will go by for there is no sader loss than the lose of a dear person like Dr. Cunningham. May God bless you all in this sadest of times. Love in Christ. Cindy Henson
Tamara Hamilton
October 24, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. Dr Cunningham was so many things to so many people. He was a wonderful caring doctor as well as a loving man. He always listened and gave so much of himself to others. He brought many gifts to the community. He will be missed greatly. I send my deepest sympathies and many prayers for you and your family. I know I can not take away your pain. I wish I could. However, remember to pray fervently knowing that God hears and answers all prayers. Even when things go wrong I hope you can find peace in God's presence. I will miss him deeply. Although on earth we have lost a great man, Heaven has gained a wonderful caring man. Again my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If there is anything I can do please contact me.
God Bless you and your family,
Tamara
Tammy Royer
October 24, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your loss, he will be sadly missed. My family loved him not only as our doctor, but as a person. In the days to come your hearts will be filled with sadness, but your minds will be full of memories to help your heart heal. Take care and God Bless your family.
Ray & Linda Berkstresser
October 24, 2008
To the Family and Staff of Buena Vista Medical
I am Sorry for your loss. I know he will be greatly missed by all of Rockbridge Co. and Buena Vista. But our loss is Heavens gain. Again I am greatly sorry for your loss. If I can do anything let me know.
Ray & Linda Berkstresser
October 24, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
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