Born on September 7, 1943, in High Peak, Virginia, he was the son of the late Claytis and Lottie Cunningham. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Cunningham and a sister, Wylene Shields.
Sam loved cars, guns and farming. He retired from Amherst County Schools after a long, rewarding career in education.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Cunningham; two sons, Johnathan D. Cunningham (Melanie), Christopher L. Cunningham (Carrie); a daughter, Katina M. Cunningham (Menti); brother-in-law, Darryl Shields; two nieces, Christianna Shields and Rhonda Sprouse; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel. Interment will immediately follow the service at Spring Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Whitten Monelison Chapel.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Sam’s name are asked to consider Monelison Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 56, Madison Heights, VA 24572 or Blood Cancer United, https://bloodcancerunited.org/.
