Dennis Cunningham

Dennis attended Hilltop Elementary School, Carver Junior High School, and Palo Duro High School. A gifted athlete, he excelled in football, basketball, and track before graduating from Palo Duro High School in 1971. He continued his education and football career at the University of Central Oklahoma, formerly known as Central State University, in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he graduated before returning home to Amarillo and beginning the next chapter of his life.

Dennis was also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a brotherhood that held a special place in his heart. He valued the fraternity's principles of brotherhood, scholarship, and service, ideals that were reflected in the way he lived his own life. His affiliation with Alpha Phi Alpha was a meaningful part of who he was and a source of great pride throughout his life.

On July 21, 1972, Dennis married Marilyn E. Calloway. Together, they built a life and family rooted in love, faith, commitment, and devotion. Their children, Dennis J. Cunningham (Angela), Dana Hill, and Derrick Cunningham, were among the greatest blessings of their union. Dennis was also the loving father of Peter Savage (Elizabeth).

Dennis was also an avid golfer who truly enjoyed the game and, even more, the friendships and fellowship that came along with it. He was blessed with a close-knit group of golfing friends who

gathered to play at least once a week. Over the years, those rounds of golf grew into lasting friendships that Dennis deeply valued.

During his time in Midland, Dennis and Marilyn were actively involved in marriage ministry, where their commitment to strengthening families extended into service within the community. Through the ministry, they helped organize the Hogan Golf Tournament, which benefited the Great Ideal Day Camp and After School Programs. The tournament brought together Dennis's love of golf and his heart for giving back - two things that brought him great joy.

Whether he was enjoying a round with friends, building relationships, supporting young people, or serving alongside Marilyn, Dennis had a special way of turning the things he loved into opportunities for fellowship, friendship, and service to others.

Dennis was a hardworking man who believed deeply in providing for and protecting the people he loved. He was a man of great character, strong morals, honor, and integrity. If Dennis had something and you needed it, he would give it to you - even if it meant he went without.

He was the glue of his family, a steady presence who could always be counted on. His love was not simply something he spoke about; it was something he demonstrated through sacrifice, consistency,

generosity, and service to others.

Above all, Dennis was a man of God. His Christian faith guided the way he lived, loved, led, and cared for others. He understood that being the head of a family meant serving that family. He loved Marilyn deeply and faithfully, and he took tremendous pride in being a husband, father, and provider.

His children never had to wonder whether their father loved them. They knew. They saw it in his sacrifices. They heard it in his words. They experienced it through his protection and provision. Most

importantly, they witnessed it in the example he lived before them every day.

Dennis leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves a legacy - a legacy of faith, family, integrity,

sacrifice, and love.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, William Presley, Jr., and his brothers, William Cunningham and Ricky Cunningham.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Marilyn; his children, Dennis J. Cunningham (Angela),Dana Hill, Derrick Cunningham, and Peter Savage (Elizabeth); his siblings, Betty Nell Carey (Joe), Lillian Cornelius (David), Kenneth Cunningham, Illa Jean Green, Ann Cunningham, and Aaron Cunningham

(Stephanie); along with his grandchildren, extended family, church family, friends, and the countless lives blessed by his presence.

Although his earthly journey has ended, the lessons Dennis taught, the faith he demonstrated, and the love he poured into his family will continue through generations. His family will carry his name with pride, his lessons in their hearts, and his example in the way they live.

His work on earth is complete. His legacy is not.