Sandy Cunningham

The community has lost a favorite son. Sanford “Sandy” Cunningham left us way too soon after a four-month battle with cancer. He was a friend to so many and we will miss him in countless ways. The family welcomes you to visitation 11 am to 1pm and memorial services 1 pm on April 2, 2018 at the Midway Locust Grove Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Midway Locust Grove Church Cemetery.

Sandy came into this world on March 7, 1940 as the treasured son of Joe Sanford and Dell Lane Cunningham. He was devoted to his parents throughout his life. Mother Dell is 102 and will keep his love around her always.

Sandy attended Grant, West Blvd., Jefferson Junior Schools and gradated from Hickman High School class of 1958. He attended the University of Missouri for two years and then began his career in homebuilding.

In 1961, he married Marjorie Lines and together they raised two fine sons Stephen Sanford and Christopher Lee. For the past 25 years, he shared a full life with Candy Whyte and her son Jeremy. Candy was a loving caregiver during his illness.

Sandy worked with his dad for several years building custom homes in Columbia. He created Cunningham Construction Co. with his own sons and proudly built dream homes for families through the end of his life. Sandy made sure his sister Jane and brother-in-law Gale achieved their dream of an original ranch house adjacent to his own home.

Sandy always loved being in the country. As a teenager, he often rode his bike from town to spend weekends on the farm. He established Tri-C Farms, the Lane family Century Farm in Midway, owned by several generations. Stephen and Chris will continue this legacy. Sandy never met a farm animal he didn’t like. Cattle, horses, goats, sheep, donkeys and chickens have been part of his idyllic farm life. He was happiest on a tractor watching giant hay bales roll out the back.

Sandy served many years on the Boone Co. Oil Co. Board, was VP of the Fortney Family Cemetery, President of the family reunion and member of the Perche Creek Yacht Club. He joined the Midway Locust Grove Methodist Church in 1954 and continued to be part of the church family. He had remodeled the church many times and knew every footing and beam in the structure. His church family held him in the highest esteem.

He was a remarkable storyteller – seeing the humor in everyday true tales. He was one of a kind with a by line “We can do it!” He loved car races, football, family gatherings, the county fair and fishing at the lake.

Sandy was grateful for his family, many friendships and partnerships. He was thankful for his loyal employees, contractors, suppliers and the homeowners he served over 50 years. He was appreciative of the constant friendship of the Potterfield family.

Sandy “lived his dream” and what a joyful life he had. His spirit lives on in his sons Stephen and Chris and Stephen’s children Harrison and Isabelle Cunningham, Hunter Niederschulte and Chase Cunningham.

He was preceded in death by his father Joe Cunningham, grandparents Luther and Eve Cunningham and M.O. and Cora Lane. He is survived by his mother Dell, partner Candy Whyte and Jeremy, sister Jane and Gale Bensussen, their children Lane and Aubrey Bensussen, Adrienne and Michael Madolora and Otis. He will be greatly missed by his cousins Sue Hatch, Jim Lane, Ann Willard, Janet Acton, Bill Stephens, Alan Easley and their families. His oldest friend James Earl Grant stayed close to him always. Now, he has joined other friends and family in a heavenly place. Rest in peace, dear Sandy.

To celebrate his memory, consider a gift to Midway Locust Grove Methodist Church, Coyote Hill Children’s Home or a charity of your choice. In honor of his legacy please be a friend to all, always take the honest path and find the bright side of every day.