Fred Mervin Cunningham

Fred M. Cunningham
Fred M. Cunningham passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025 at his home in Lexington, KY. Born on October 13, 1941, in Vicksburg, MS, Fred was the only child of Robert M. and Josie D. Cunningham. Fred is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn (Davis) of 62 years, and only child, Scot Cunningham of Lexington, KY.
Fred was a gifted baseball player in High School and was always interested in sports, hunting and the outdoors. Fred had the opportunity to play baseball at the collegiate level but felt God calling him into the ministry. This call led him to attend Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, TN, where he would eventually meet and marry JoAnn Davis in 1962. Fred graduated from Trevecca Nazarene College in 1963 with a B.A. in religion. He continued his education at The Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO graduating in May of 1966 with a M.A. of Theology with highest honors.
Fred and JoAnn were quickly placed at their first church in Georgetown, OH, where Scot was born in 1968. Fred enjoyed studying the Bible and spent many hours writing sermons and reading the Bible out of sheer love for the scriptures. Fred was a lifetime learner. He poured himself into any subject matter; astronomy, carpentry, music, fly fishing, pets, and was even an expert bird watcher and gardener.
Fred was a cherished pastor, beloved by many congregations in over 38 years in ministry including congregations in Georgetown, OH, Lima, OH, Midland, Ml (18 years), Bedford, OH, and Hutchison United Methodist Church in Paris, KY. His contributions and impact on the spiritual lives of his sheep cannot be measured. He was a loving shepherd who cared deeply for all those he considered his sheep. In Fred's mind, everyone he met was a "brother" or "sister" in Christ. He never met a stranger and cared about his fellow man before himself. Fred mentored many young pastors, volunteered in his community, taught countless Sunday school classes, and counselled many others. Fred was a faithful servant to God, always fully committed to his family, his neighbors, and the Church.
Fred was also an adoring grandfather to 3 beautiful grandchildren: Riley Alexander Cunningham, Josie Nicole Cunningham(twins), and Nolan Robert Cunningham. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren who lovingly called him "Pappy." From rides in a wheelbarrow to rides in the back of his little red pickup truck, there was always fun to be had with Pappy! He discovered that watching his grandchildren play sports was one of the "greatest joys of his life."
Fred will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion for others, Christlike leadership, and humble integrity. While we weep for our loss on earth, we know that heaven is rejoicing as Fred M. Cunningham reaps his eternal reward with the Father.
A service celebrating the life of Fred M. Cunningham will be at 11:00AM on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at St. Luke Church, 2351 Alumni Dr., Lexington, KY 40517. Visitation will be held prior to the service on March 6, 2025 from 10:00AM-11:00AM at St. Luke Church.
Memorial gifts made be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators, 1733 Harrodsburg Rd, Lexington, KY 40504. Online at bgcarenav.org.