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WALTER CUNNINGHAM Obituary
Dr. Walter Rudolph Cunningham, 66, of Gainesville, passed away at North Florida Regional Medical Center on July 31, 2010. Walter was born on October 17, 1943, in Los Angeles and earned a Ph.D. in Psychology in 1974. He was a professor at the University of Florida for 30 years.
Walter was a chess Life Master and the youngest Master in the U.S. in the late 1950's. He won several chess tournaments in his lifetime. Walter also enjoyed playing soccer, bridge and poker and enjoyed reading history books.
He is survived by his wife, Stella Cunningham, of Newberry, FL, his son and daughter-in-law Mike and Holly Cunningham, of Bronson, FL, his daughter and son-in-law Lita and Jeff Tholen, of Gainesville, FL, his grandchildren Kelli and Alysa Cunningham and Jack and Sofia Tholen, and his daughter Wendy Reith Cunningham of Medford, OR.
Memorial Services will be held at Forest Meadows Funeral Home, 4100 NW 39th Ave. Gainesville on Tuesday, August 10th at 2 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for WALTER CUNNINGHAM
Harold Blajwas
November 14, 2018
Played Walter once in chess tournament in Boston --very much a gentleman. Sorry for his
passing.
Wendy Cunningham
September 15, 2010
Hello ! This is Wendy Cunningham. Can you guess who I am? I am his older daughter from a previous marriage. I knew that my Dad Walter Rudolph Cunningham was a chess player back in high school in Arcadia, California. He was sponsored by a Jewish man and went to play against other countries in Europe. He was 16.
My grandma Lestra (his Mom) always said that my half sister Lita Stella Lestra Cunningham and I inherited his intelligence. I was a sign language cheerleader and dorm newsletter editor in boarding school for the deaf in Riverside, California where I graduated in 1983.
During my 11th grade, I made the highest marks on SAT test that I was offered enrollment for prep year at Gallaudet University for the Deaf in Washington, D.C, but I stayed to finish high school.
I was born partially deaf. I am very fluent in sign language and proud of it. I was a sign language cheerleader and supported my football team and traveled to many schools.
I prayed for my Dad's safe journey to spirit world. I have a lot of childhood photos of him. I can send you photo attachments if you
are interested. I can be reached at [email protected]
Thank you for your support,
Wendy May Cunningham
Medford, Oregon
Susan Cooley
August 13, 2010
Walt was my graduate advisor for master's thesis and dissertation at Univ. Florida 1979-1985. I feel so fortunate to have worked with him and learned so much (factor analysis; statistics!). He had very high standards that I always tried to meet. He helped develop the careers of many psychologists, and I am proud to be one of his students. I'll always remember that he sat with me during the entire graduation ceremony for my PhD. I'll miss him very much.
DAVID LAMB
August 10, 2010
HE WILL BE MISSED.EVERY TIME I FACED HIM OVER THE CHESSBOARD I KNEW I WAS IN FOR A BATTLE.IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO PLAY HIM.A TRUE GENTLEMAN OF THE GAME!
August 10, 2010
.....I remember most about him when I started playing chess, the fact that the strongest players spoke so highly of his game and him....and was a good teacher of the game to novice players. One of the strongest Florida players ever. May God be with his family and loved ones.
Mike Foust Kissimmee Florida
Sarah Lee
August 9, 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.
Robbie Bostwick
August 9, 2010
Lita and Family, All of us in the Bostwick family remember your Dad well from your days as a member of the BHS girls soccer team.Fond memories of his enthusiasm for the game, and encouragement for you as he yelled "Lita" from the stands.We are all sorry for you loss.
Brian Howland
August 9, 2010
I was a graduate student in the UF Psychology Department during the 1990s. Walt was an integral part of the department and, especially, of the developmental area. His graduate courses in statistics were challenging and important. My sympathies to each of his family members during this time. May you cherish and hold onto your fondest memories of him.
Mark Solomon
August 8, 2010
Dr. Cunningham is a Florida legend. I knew of him before attending UF. When I arrived here, he was the faculty sponsor for the chess club. A nicer, more committed guy you couldn't find. His team, comprised of John Nardandrea, Greg Small, and Thom Lawhon won the Pan American Intercollegiate Championship. I was honored when he played in the tournaments that I directed. I am sorry for your loss. Mark Ellis Solomon, Esq. (BS '80, JD '83)
August 8, 2010
My condolences. I knew Walter thru Chess. Paul B Tomaino (Daytona Beach, FL)
Mark Ryan
August 8, 2010
Walter was always a gentleman and a good sport on the Chess board. Sorry to hear of his passing.I will miss him.
Cecile Chapman
August 8, 2010
I was a secretary in the Psychology Department at UF for many years. Dr. Cunningham was a pleasure to work with. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Jan Williams
August 8, 2010
Mike & Holly, I'm so I sorry to hear of your father's passing. If there is anything that I can do you any of you please let me know. I will be praying for all of you. God's blessings and peace be with you at this time. Love, Les & Jan (Janice Keen) Williams
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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