Russell George Cunningham, Sr

Russell George Cunningham Sr. aka "Paso", "Derrick", "Pops"

Russell George Cunningham Sr. passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness in the early morning of Saturday, April 9th 2022. God in His infinite wisdom called our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend “Pops”, “Paso”, “Derrick” into His loving arms. True to form, his passing was typical of the way he uniquely lived his life, unpredictable and passionately fighting to win.

Russell was born June 24th, 1943 to the late Wilfred and Greta Cunningham in Manchester, Jamaica. He was blessed with thirteen siblings; Olga (deceased), Danzie (deceased), Pearl, Delores, Asley, Winston, Tony, Channis, Rona, Errol, Colin, Morris, and Doreen.

He spent most of his teenage years in the Waterhouse neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica. As a young working man he traveled around the business section of Kingston which is where he crossed paths with Vida Claire Edwards who worked at Grace Kennedy. A three-year long courtship led them to be joined in holy matrimony on June 29th, 1968 at Christ Church in Jones Town. They moved to Patrick City to raise their strong and loving family. Sadly his beloved wife preceded him in death on March 25, 2010.

Initially working as a taxi driver he migrated to the US in 1974, and between 1979-1985 the entire family was reunited, permanently living together in Bronx, New York. Russell worked tirelessly alongside his wife and soon became proud home owners. Their home became affectionately known as “220” where Russell constantly laid out the welcome mat, a testament to his generous spirit and kindness to both many family and friends who were like family. Following their example, over time many family members also migrated to the US in search of opportunities to improve their own lives.

In New York, he continued to hone his driving skills as a Taxi Driver eventually going on to become the successful business owner of an Auto Mechanic and Body Shop. In 1996 he returned to Jamaica where he took on a new trade as a truck driver, a job from which he retired choosing to enjoy his later years devoted to relaxing and spending time with his grandkids and other family and friends.

Cue the unpredictable Russell, he was not content to just kick back. Embarking on a new journey he became a builder and home designer where he ultimately configured his Old Harbor home into an incredibly beautiful multi-complex home; a vision he realized along with his son Russell Cunningham Jr.

He unexpectedly went in the loving arms of God at 4:30am on April 9th, 2022 leaving behind an inexplicably heartbroken but strong and healthy family; only daughter; Novelette, sons; Clive, Gary, Donald (Danny), Russell Jr (Ricky), Wayne, 26 Grandchildren, 14 Great- Grandchildren, Brothers, Sisters, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, many other relatives, and his companion; Nicole.

One of his biggest accomplishments was being a father. We are fervently committed to proudly carry on his amazing legacy of hard work, commitment to family and generous spirit. He will be missed beyond measure.

Russell George Cunningham, age 78, of Old Harbour Bay, Saint Catherine, Jamaica passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Russell was born June 24, 1943 in Manchester, Jamaica.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baileymemorial.com for the Cunningham family.