William J. Cunningham III, known as Billy to all who loved him, passed away on Saturday, April 21, 2018, in Houston, TX, at the age of 44. He was born on November 18, 1973 in Houston to William J. Cunningham II and Diana L. Craven.
He was preceded in death by his partner, Deborah Jones; his father Bill; his paternal grandparents, Inga and William J. Cunningham, Jr. , who loving raised him from the age of two; his maternal grandparents Francis and Thomas Craven; and his uncle Michael K. Cunningham.
He leaves behind his mother, Diana; his aunt, Cheryl R. Cunningham; his half-siblings, Benjamin, Thomas, Nicole Garibay, and their father, Benjamin Garibay Jr.; his great-uncle, Werner Fischer; his cousin, Shawna Cunningham; his best friend, William “Scott” Johnson; and his dog, Skipper; and numerous family and friends.
Billy was wholeheartedly devoted to his passions. He loved to cruise with Carnival Cruise Line and made six voyages with the company, earning official “Gold” status as a loyal repeat passenger. He loved nothing better than planning his next seagoing adventure, and he was thrilled to introduce his cousin, Shawna, to ocean travel on his last Carnival cruise in fall 2017.
Dining on cruise ships and elsewhere on his travels gave Billy an appreciation for a great meal, and he loved going out to eat with his Aunt Cheryl. Whether it was a pizza lunch or a fine seafood dinner, every meal was an event to be savored.
Billy also enjoyed Taekwondo, video gaming and taking travel photos. He loved dogs, and one of the happiest days of his life was when he brought Skipper home from the shelter. We are thankful that Skipper has a new, loving home with friends.
A memorial service celebrating Billy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11:00 am in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Houston SPCA, www.HoustonSPCA.org.
