Samuel Eugene "Dink" Cunningham

Samuel Eugene "Dink" Cunningham obituary

Samuel Eugene "Dink" Cunningham

Samuel Cunningham Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory on Jan. 5, 2026.
Samuel Eugene "Dink" Cunningham was born on November 22, 1945, in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he grew up alongside his five Cunningham siblings.

Dink was the beloved son of the late James Bryant Cunningham, Sr. and the late Frances Lee Sale Cunningham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Maxine Cunningham Mays and Linda Cunningham Ragland, and his brothers, James Bryant "Jimmy" Cunningham, Jr., and Warren Wayne Cunningham.

Dink peacefully passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 80 with his wife, Melynda, by his side. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Carolyn "Pug" Cunningham Wise.

Family meant everything to Dink. He had a big personality and an even bigger heart, always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was a husband, uncle, dad, brother, "Papa", and friend - but always exactly the person you wanted and needed him to be. He embraced each of these roles to be the best version of himself for the family and friends he chose to surround himself with. His humor, warmth, and love were felt by all who knew him.

Dink dedicated over 40 years of his life to working at Campbell-Payne Building Supplies, a place that was more than just a job - it was a huge part of who he was. His strong work ethic, loyalty, and the relationships he built there meant the world to him and many of his coworkers became lifelong friends.

Outside of work, Dink enjoyed playing golf at Winton in Amherst, Virginia, with all of his boys "The Wolf Pack", traveling with Melynda, and eventually retiring to Briarcliffe Acres. He truly loved living at the beach, where he continued doing what he did best - making friends with anyone, anywhere.

He was forever the life of the party but always knew when it was time to go home. At the very end, he pulled a true Dink moment: "I'm ready. Peace!" - passing over to the next phase of life where he may find comfort, peace, and joy again.

We love you, Dink. You'll be missed by many.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel "Dink" Eugene Cunningham, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Samuel Cunningham's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 19, 2026

Pat Howard posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2026

Jimmy & Bev Foster posted to the memorial.

January 5, 2026

Doris Brammer posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Pat Howard

January 19, 2026

Dear Melinda thank you for taking such good care of Dink. He was special and so are you. I have missed your friendship. Prayers and hugs for you.

Jimmy & Bev Foster

January 8, 2026

Melynda,
Our hearts are saddened upon hearing of Dink's passing and the loss that you and your family are feeling. Dink's was truly a life well-lived! Those wonderful years of laughter, friendship and love we shared will forever be remembered. Thinking of You and asking God to surround you with His perfect Peace throughout this difficult time. With Sympathy,
Jimmy & Bev Foster

Doris Brammer

January 5, 2026

We are so very sorry to know that Dinky(as we called him!!) has passed. Always up for a hug and a great smile, he will be missed by so many. May God grant each of you the peace that passeth all understanding.
Philippians 1:3
With our very deepest sympathy,
Doris and Jerry Brammer

Sue G Ford

January 5, 2026

To the family, he will be missed by many. To friends and the extended Fort Hill family he will always be remembered with a smile. Always. Sue Guthrie-Ford.

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910 67th Ave North P.O. Box 7506, Corner of 67th Ave. And Bypass 17, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

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Sign Samuel Cunningham's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 19, 2026

Pat Howard posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2026

Jimmy & Bev Foster posted to the memorial.

January 5, 2026

Doris Brammer posted to the memorial.