Austin Cunningham

Buford Austin Cunningham, age 83, of Birmingham, Alabama passed away on Sunday, December 25th, 2022. He was born in Roanoke, Alabama on June 12th, 1939 and graduated from Handley High School. He was married to Shirley on September 2nd, 1961 in Birmingham, Alabama. Austin was President and CEO of The Barber Companies. He enjoyed a lifelong career of over 50 years before his retirement with Barber Companies, Barber Dairies and Board of Directors of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. He served on the Jefferson County Board of Equalization, was a member of the Air National Guard, President of Riverchase Country Club, a member of Shoal Creek Country Club, a Master Mason, and a Realtor. He was an avid golfer, played the harmonica and banjo, and loved to repair antique clocks.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet E. Cunningham of Roswell, Georgia, her husband W. Michael Goehring and his children Natasha H. Goehring and Christopher F. Atanasoff. He is predeceased by four brothers, Jesse Gordon Cunningham, Gene Cunningham, Wesley Cunningham and Avery Cunningham.

There will be no graveside or funeral service. We will gather for a celebration of his life on Saturday, January 21st from 2:00-4:00 PM at Ridout’s Funeral Home, Valley Chapel in Homewood, AL and afterwards at Grey Bar 280, 5426 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242 from 5:00-7:00 PM. Austin would not want to be the reason anyone dressed up on Saturday, so please join us in casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. The family would love to share in your memories of Austin. To leave an online condolence or image please visit obituaries at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com.