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William Cunningham Obituary
Cunningham had been in failing health and was under Hospice care.
A Democrat, he served in the state House for 21 years before resigning in 2008 for health reasons. At the time, he was the longest-serving member of Mecklenburg County's delegation.
Cunningham was a friend and ally of former Speaker Jim Black of Matthews, who rewarded him by appointing him to all House committees, a position he could use to swing key votes.
He first ran for the House in 1986, about the same time he bought the Excelsior Club, Charlotte's first black social club. It was a venerable gathering spot for African American professionals, church groups and others, as well as an obligatory campaign stop for many politicians including Bill Clinton and Al Gore.
Cunningham owned the club until 2006 when he sold it to attorney James Ferguson.
Cunningham's widow, Carla, said funeral arrangements are incomplete.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cunningham
January 18, 2011
"May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time (2Cor 1:3,4)." JHarris
Antoinette Wallace
January 12, 2011
My condolence and sympathy goes out to the family.
Richard Barber
January 8, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
H. M. Watkins
January 6, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Yvette Cousar
January 5, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
James Blount
December 31, 2010
To The Cunningham Family,
I am a longtime friend of Pete and extend my sincere condolences to you and your family. He was very instrumental in assisting me with entering the insurance busines and I am forever grateful. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.
James & Faye Blount - Washington, DC
Merci Lewis
December 31, 2010
My deepest and sincere condolences to Mrs. Cunningham and your entire family. Mr. Pete was a wonderful man with a big hear. Your husband was the first and only black business man I ever worked for and enjoyed every moment. I was his manager for Cunningham and Hatchett Assoc. when he owned the first Ice Cream Store "Traveler's Treat" at the newly opened Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 1983. He will truly be missed by all.
Merci Rice Lewis and Family
Theautry "TX" Green
December 30, 2010
My sincerest condolences to the entire Cunningham family. May you cherish the fond memories of him and know that he touched a lot of people by his service to the community.
Sharan White
December 30, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Gloria Munoz-Martin
December 29, 2010
Sincere condolence in the loss of your husband. He will be remembered by all who knew him.
December 29, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cunningham family. God be with you.
Al and Pam Favors Cameron (Atlanta, GA)
Carolyn Stroud
December 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Barbara & Kim Ratliff
December 28, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Cheri Hamilton
December 28, 2010
My deepest condolences to the family for your loss. I am forever grateful to Mr. Cunningham for his generosity towards me. Prior to my freshman year in college back in 2002, the church (Parkwood CME) awarded me and others scholarships for school. They did not have enough funds for all of us, so Mr. Cunningham gave so generously to supplement. I'm now in law school and know that without his and others' generosity and support, I would not be where I am today. I'll never forget that and I will never forget Mr. Cunningham. He was a great advocate for OUR community and will be dearly missed. God bless!
Jo Ann Murray & Family
December 28, 2010
May God grant your family the strength they need at this time. Remember, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Jean
December 28, 2010
Sorry for your lost.
Jean & John
Darryl Williams
December 28, 2010
Our condolences to you Carla and the rest of the Cunningham family. We all share in your loss. May God continue to bless you and offer you comfort. Darryl, Carla, Darian, and Carlin Williams
Dorothy Darby
December 27, 2010
To My Neice Tonya and the entire Cunningham Family.
Your grandfather was an outstanding gentleman in the Charlotte community and state of North Carolina. He was a greatly respected representative of the people he served. He will long be remembered and loved for his kind demeanor and beautiful smile. Sincere Regrets. Your Aunt.
December 27, 2010
To the Cunnungham Family, we are sorry to hear of the passing of Pete Cunningham. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Family. May God continue to surround you with his blessing as you go through this difficult time.
Gene & Hattie Anthony
Alan Rousseau
December 27, 2010
Mr. Cunningham was a good man. My condolences and prayers to the Cunningham family.
Leslie Dwyer
December 27, 2010
Carla, I know that nothing I say at this time can ease your pain. Thank you for reaching out to help me this year. I am so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your husband with our community and his life of public service. What an amazing role model for young men in our community. You're in my thoughts. Sincerely, Leslie
Harrison & Blonnie Livingston
December 27, 2010
To the Cunningham Family, you have our
deepest sympathy, we and praying that God will continue to bless and keep you. may your memories help to comfort you at this time.
Cheryl Edwards-Williamson
December 27, 2010
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 1998-2010
December 27, 2010
Sara and I pray and extend our deepest and most sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time.
Elder Sidney Phillips, Pastor Mt. Moriah PBC
December 26, 2010
Carla my prayers go out to you and your family at this time. God bless and keep your family and yourself near thee...Brunetta Gaither(Charlotte, NC)
Beverly Irby
December 26, 2010
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Donald Jones
December 25, 2010
To The Cunningham Family:
My heart goes out to you in the loss of your loved one. Pete has always given a listening ear and sound advice. He will be missed by friends, acquaintences, co-workers and loving family. May God bless you in the comming days.
December 24, 2010
Mr "Pete" was one of the reasons I joined Parkwood CME Church: he invited me to service with the spirit and the love of the Lord. Mrs. Cunningham, Gary, and family, may God comfort and keep you in his loving arms. Rose A.
Catrina Feaster
December 24, 2010
Carla,
Thinking of you and your family in this time of need.
Larry Whitley
December 23, 2010
To the Cunningham Family. May God give you strength in your time of sorrow.Pete has truly being a blessing to me, and this community.We will continue to pray for your family.Pastor Whitley and Rev.Chris Whitley
Gloria Foster
December 23, 2010
To Carla Cunningham and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you this holiday season and always.
Gloria Foster
December 23, 2010
To Carla Cunningham and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you this holiday season and always.
Ruth Stevenson
December 23, 2010
To the Cunningham family, may God give you comfort in your time of sorrow.
Ruth Stevenson And Family.
Victoria Parks
December 23, 2010
May God give you strength thru this time and the warmth of his love to make you stronger each day....keep looking up towards the heavens...our prayers will be with you always...Victoria
TONIA JOHNSON
December 23, 2010
Granddaddy, you were a phenomenal man to me and the best grandfather a girl could ask for. I learned so much about humility, charity, love and kindness from you and am determined to keep that legacy going. There are not enough words to describe my love for you except to say it was in its purest form. Thank you for loving me unconditionally.
Your Granddaughter,
Tonia Johnson
terry belk
December 23, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tommie L. Campbell
December 23, 2010
Heartfelt Sympathy to the Cunningham Family
Charles Rogers
December 22, 2010
My dear "Pete", all of Charlotte shall miss you very much...you were a part of the heart and soul of this city.
December 22, 2010
To the family of Brother Pete Cunningham, on behalf of the Wednesday Bible Study class, we express our deepest sympathies. We will miss Brother Pete and remember his deep love for the Lord and First Baptist.
Your in Christ,
Rev. Rhedrick and the Wednesday Night Bible Study Class
Kwame Osei Moyo
December 22, 2010
William your dad and I knew each other from the old school. He will be missed greatly for he was and always will be a good man and a soldier in the struggle. God rest his soul and you know I'll always be there for you my brother. Kwame Osei Moyo (osay) aka Thomas C Saunders
December 22, 2010
Dear Carla, May God bless you and your family. May your hearts be filled with wonderful memories. Pete will surely be missed. Floyd Howze(Charlotte, NC)
L.D. Daniel
December 22, 2010
Mr Cunningham will be misssed by all. He served his country, Mecklenburg County, and the N.C. Legislature. His personal attention to me by words and actions allowed me to respect my role as a state employee.
Life's race is not judged by how you start ; but how you finish. Mr. Cunningham lead a great race. Now we will look back and appreciate "Pete" with humble hearts.
God will continue to provide you the needed strength.
December 22, 2010
May God bless each and every one of the family members and may he wrap his ever-loving hands around you all in your time of need. My prayers are with you. Pete was a Dad away from dad for me. May he rest in peace...
Mikey Fields- Dallas, NC
Veronica Sturdivant
December 22, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss.Pete will be missed by many.
Nancy Wiggins
December 22, 2010
Dearest Carla,
Please accept these words of sincerest condolence for your great loss. Pete was a fine man,statesman, husband and friend. It was a great pleasure to know and work with him over the decades in his public life. I will always remember the praise given to him by Ruth Easterling regarding his wonderful service to all North Carolinians and Charlotteans. Please accept my love.comfort and support during these sad times. Pete is in a great place.May God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bowen Wiggins
ivey massey
December 21, 2010
May the Lord God Bless Thee and Keep Thee and May the Lord God Cause His Face to Shine Upon Thee and Be Gracious Unto You and The Lord Lift up his Contenance upon You and give you Peace. Numbers 6:24-26. and Jesus said Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. God Bless You, Your Church Member, Sister Ivey Massey, First Baptist West
December 21, 2010
May the Lord God Bless Thee and Keep Thee and May the Lord God Cause His Face to Shine Upon Thee and Be Gracious Unto You and The Lord Lift up his Contenance upon You and give you Peace. Numbers 6:24-26. and Jesus said Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. God Bless You, Your Church Member, Sister Ivey Massey, First Baptist West.
December 21, 2010
To the Cunningham Family:
Please accept our sincere condolences at the loss of your loved one. We pray you find consolation and comfort in this time of grief.
Walter L. Rogers, Sr., Chairman
Your NC Black Leadership Caucus Family
December 21, 2010
Carla and Family, We would like to offer our sincerest condolences. I know you loved him but God loves him best, take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Your neighbors, Ty and Michele Capers
Rhoda Livingston
December 21, 2010
To the Cunningham family, I just want to let you know that I am praying for you in your time of loss. Pete was a very important person to our community. I will miss seeing his face and listening to his stories of when he was younger and growing up in Monroe at Langford Chapel CME Church. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR US.
Mr & Mrs Grover Stinson, Jr
December 21, 2010
To the Cunnungham Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
December 21, 2010
Charlotte has truly lost a giant. Pete always was the quiet storm, staying under the radar, yet a mover and shaker for so many people and causes. He was so supportive to me and Fran in everything we did. Our condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Dave & Fran Cook
December 21, 2010
To the Cunningham Family, My family and I would like to offer our sincerest condolences. Charles & Denise Allen and Girls
Kevin Jackson
December 21, 2010
To the Cunningham family, I would like to express my deepest sympathy, and prayers,May the God of all comfort, comfort your hearts in this time of need.
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