William Burt Cunningham

William Burt Cunningham, Jr., a native San Antonian, died Thursday August 15, 2002. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church for 66 years. Bill was a graduate of Jefferson High School and received a BS Degree in Journalism from the University of Texas in Austin in 1941. In June of 1941 he began his journalism career in Cuero, TX. Six months later he entered the U.S. Army and served in the European Theatre in the Medic Corps during World War II. He received the Bronze Star for heroic achievement in action for evacuating and treating two wounded soldiers while under enemy machine gun fire. He returned to Cuero on February 3, 1946 and on that same day met the love of his life Ellen Marie Low. They were married August 3, 1946. In January 1950, he became Managing Editor of the Paris TX News. He returned to San Antonio in March 1951 to begin a 35-year career with the San Antonio Express-News. While there he served in numerous capacities, but is primarily remembered as the Farm and Ranch Editor and writer of the popular "Cattle Clatter" column. Bill contracted Polio in 1956 and was in an iron lung for 23 days and was told he would never walk again. He proved the doctors wrong then as he did for many years thereafter. He retired from the Express in 1986. Bill was active in professional and civic associations, including President of the San Antonio Press Club, President of San Antonio Chapter Sigma Delta Chi Honorary Journalism Fraternity, Director of Boysville, Director Emeritus of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition and Charter Director of the South Texas Ranch Club. He received numerous awards for his civic service including the 1985 Joe Freeman Award for distinguished service to Agriculture and the State Humanitarian Award from the Sons of Hermann Lodge. He felt the best award of all was Ellen's hand in marriage. Survivors: wife of 56 years, Ellen Cunningham; son, William Low "Bill" Cunningham and wife Nevin, San Marcos, TX; daughter, Kaye Ellen Worrell and husband Robert, Georgetown, TX; grandchildren, Catherine and husband, Patrick, Drew, Stephanie and Jessica; numerous nieces and nephews.The Rev. Dr. Robert J. Carabin and Deacon Dan Lauer officiating. Pallbearers: Joe Fohn, Robert Trevino, Melvin Grauke, Donald Grauke, Junus Low and Billy Bob Low. Honorary Pallbearers: Nat Prassel, Dan Cook, Charles O. Kilpatrick, James D. Miller, I.O. Martinez, Joe Candelario and Louis Engelke. Memorial contributions may be made to the San Antonio Livestock Exposition SALE, P.O. Box 200230, San Antonio, Texas 78220-0230, or Boysville, P.O. Box 369, Converse, Texas 78109. Interment with military honors in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.