Andrew Joseph Cunningham III

Andrew Joseph Cunningham III was born in Chicago, IL, the first child of Joyce Hayward Cunningham and Andrew Joseph Cunningham II, both of whom preceded him in death. His great-grandmother, Mary Freeman, who helped raise him and his brothers also preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; three children, Ayanna, Anika, and Akisha; their mother, Vanessa, to whom he was previously married; six grandchildren; two brothers, Mike (Rhonda) and Chuck (Gayle); niece Michelle; nephews Anthony and Leigh; and a host of loving cousins, friends, and colleagues. His lifelong childhood friend Greg Outlaw preceded him in death in May of 2023.

Andrew was a lifelong and devout Christian who was a member of St. John Baptist Church and St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, respectively, in Chicago, Illinois. He dedicated his life to following the Lord and was well-steeped in the principles and life applications of the Bible. At different times after his conversion to Presbyterianism, when he moved to California, he belonged to several church congregations. In each one, he was a prominent leader with a gentle demeanor who led Bible study classes; delivered sermons, served on the Board of Trustees and numerous church committees.

Andrew attended Chicago Public Schools and participated, as an elementary school student, in several programs for gifted children in addition to attending extracurricular classes at the esteemed Francis Parker School. He graduated from CVS, Chicago Vocational High School. He received his higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles and Northwestern University where he majored in Business Administration.

Andrew served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. He worked as a computer analyst in several departments including the White House.

Andrew had several successful careers and always kept his focus on doing God's will while working in each one. He worked as a civil servant, a not-for-profit manager, a political advisor wherein he worked on gubernatorial and vice presidential campaigns, and as an entertainment writer and film producer. Due to his untimely death, he was unable to complete his final film project on Ernie Banks and the Chicago Cubs.

Andrew's favorite secular saying was "Serva Fidem" (Keep the Faith). His favorite Bible verses were Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen" and Isaiah 40:31, "But they who waiteth upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not be faint."

We survivors of Andrew's death have faith that the Lord has welcomed him with the words of Matthew 25:21, "Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."