Willie Frances Cunningham passed on July 6, 2018 in Marietta, GA after a short illness. Willie was born on March 13, 1933 in Walnut Hill, Florida to Liston Earl “Red” Corley and Lorena Corley and a graduate of Escambia HS.
Willie met her husband, the late Col. William Cunningham (USMC) at the beach in Pensacola when he was a naval cadet. Being an adventurous pair, they eloped and spent the first part of their married life in secret! Willie was the backbone to her husband through his 30 year Marine Corps career. As the “Hollywood couple,” she was the model of an officer’s wife, vacuuming in pearls and heels, and supporting the wives around her throughout the course of the Vietnam War.
Her adventurous spirit continued when the family owned 4 McDonald’s restaurants in Baldwin County, Alabama. Willie took on the responsibility for all of the administration of the business and even worked the fry station when needed to ensure that customers were served. In addition to being a devoted wife, Willie was an accomplished artist producing many pieces treasured by friends and family, loved antique shopping and was a great cook.
Willie Cunningham was a lady of service. She devoted her life to her husband and children. She never asked much of anyone, except for a cup of coffee, a diet coke or a doughnut (or three). Willie is survived by her brother Winon Corley, daughter Cynthia Cunningham, son Eric Cunningham, and grandson Alex Cunningham. She will be missed by all for her beauty, love of telling stories and the joy she brought to this world.
The family will receive friends between the hours of 9 until 11 Am Friday July 20, 2018 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 North New Warrington Road, Pensacola FL 32506, with a committal service to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:30.
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