Dr. Billy Elvis Cunningham (1945-2024)

Retired Colonel Dr. Billy E. Cunningham, 79 (though he always said he was 28 and would be 29 on his next birthday), passed peacefully at home in Blue Ridge after a long battle with IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis) on 28 June 2024.

Born in Burlington, TX on 16 April 1945 to Jewel and GB Cunningham, he studied medicine at the University of Houston and Kirksville College of Osteopathy. Bill reconnected with Beverly in 1969 in Houston, getting married a few months later September 4th and 6th tying a double knot before returning to medical school in Kirksville, MO. Bill proudly served in the Army for 22 years as a doctor helping children. Board certified in pediatrics, hematology-oncology, and radiology; his focus remained caring for children. Bill retired from the military and continued helping children as a doctor and Santa's favorite helper at Driscoll Children's Hospital and The University of Kentucky.

After Colonel Cunningham retired from practicing pediatric medicine in the military and private practice, Bill and Beverly enjoyed their farm in Blue Ridge where Farmer Bill continued to learn and grow in his lifelong passion as an avid carpenter making furniture for his home and friends.

Bill will remain in the hearts and memories of all who knew him, having numerous friends and family who loved him, particularly his wife, Beverly, of 54 years, three daughters, Barbie, Brietta, and Carrie and their families. The journey enjoyed by Bill and Beverly included their love for each other and of God (Ecclesiastes 4:12), three interwoven strands making their lives rich and strengthening their love and marriage.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, GB Cunningham, his mother, Jewel Cunningham, and his older sister, Betty Minshew, and is survived by his wife, Beverly, three daughters, Barbie Chandler and husband Scott, Brietta Fifer and wife Jennifer, and Carrie Cunningham and husband Chris Mohrmann, two grandsons, Kyle Chandler and Mylo Mohrmann, two sisters, Jewel Richards and Debra Nelson and husband Geoff, and brother-in-law Royce Minshew.

Special thanks to the Pyles for their continued love and friendship over the last several years.

Services will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2708 W. Virginia Pkwy., McKinney, TX 75071, on 27 July at 10:30 am, followed by a military honor ceremony and reception. If unable to attend in person, feel free to join us on the livestream. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Driscoll Children's Hospital or Tunnel to Towers, organizations close to Bill's heart.

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That's why we call it the present."

- Anonymous