Back to Obituaries J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

Michael Cunningham Sr.

Passed 05/12/2022

Obituary For Michael Cunningham Sr.

Mr. Michael Cunningham Sr. passed on May 12, 2022. Mr. Michael Cunningham of Greenville, South Carolina was born on June 26, 1969, to the late Mr. Linward Cunningham and Mrs. Gladys Smith Cunningham in Aberdeen, Maryland at the Kirk, U.S. Army Hospital. After a brief illness, he departed this earthly life on May 12, 2022 to spend life eternal with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Shortly after his birth, the Cunningham family relocated back to Spartanburg, South Carolina. Michael joined and was baptized at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Whitestone, South Carolina. Mount Calvary provided the spiritual foundation that sustained him through life’s many challenges. He attended services at the Blessed Hope Temple, Holiness Church before his transition.

Michael was a product of the Spartanburg County school system and was a 1987 graduate of Spartanburg High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted into the United States Army. His most noteworthy accomplishment was serving as a member of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment (known as The Old Guard) which is responsible for ceremonies, special events and guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

Known as “Big Mike” to his friends, he was a gentle giant with a heart of pure gold and a great sense of humor. He had a kind and tender manner with children which was evident in his youth and extended into adulthood and parenthood. He was a friend to many and a man of his word. This was evident in all of his dealings but especially evident in the friendships and fellowship he found in social groups like the Touch of Class Motorcycle Club. Michael was an enthusiastic Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved the interaction with others in the Steel II Steel Fan Club, where he served as President.

Michael was preceded in death by his previous wife Natascha Nash Cunningham, who blessed their union with two children. Michael was a dedicated family man. Besides being a beloved son and brother, he was an outstanding, dedicated, and faithful husband, father, and provider.

Michael truly believed in the love and beauty of family life. He leaves behind a strong and loving wife, Natasha Wilson Cunningham. His two devoted sons; Michael Cunningham, Jr. and Edgar Lee Cunningham remain to continue the Cunningham legacy. His union with Natasha brings three “bonus” children, Aliyana Long, Michael Antonio Davis, Jr., and Marquis Wilson, whom he treated as his own. He is survived by one grandchild, Alonee CaLiyah Cunningham (and her mother, Aasha Klugh) and expecting another (from Dajiah Kelly). He also leaves two beloved brothers, William L. Cunningham of Spartanburg; Stanley Cunningham (Donna) of Hughesville, Maryland; his niece Carmelitta Cunningham of Uniondale, New York, and a host of cherished relatives and friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Michael Cunningham will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 93 Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Rd., Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

J. W. Woodward Funeral Home


Condolences & Tributes

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Stanley Cunningham sent Serenity Wreath for Michael Cunningham Sr. - May 20, 2022

From devoted brothers; William and Stanley, your faithful sister in law; Donna, and loving neice, Carmelitta.

Send flowers for Michael Cunningham Sr.

Stanley Cunningham sent Reflections of Glory Wreath for Michael Cunningham Sr. - May 20, 2022

From loving sons; Michael,Jr. and Edgar Cunningham, our ladies, our children and families.

You were one of my oldest classmates my prayers go out to your love ones. Earl Walker

Here on earth you where working to become a better man for yourself and your family in becoming a brother in masonry. But you got your wings first. We love you but God loves you more. We will miss you but never will we forget you. Rest easy my brother. Tyrone "Tombstone" Warner Sr.

On behalf of the M-19 we are going to miss you! Our condolences to Mike Mike, Lee Lee and his wife. We love you Mike and you will be missed.

My condolences to the family and friends.

MICHAEL WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY. FRIENDS SINCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL- SANDRA COPELAND LONE

On Behalf of the Regulator's Motorcycle Club, we would like to Express our Deepest Condolences to Mike's Family and Friend's. We're going to Miss you our Brother/Friend.💜💜💜

Our deepest sympathies to Michael's wife, children, all family members and friends. Michael was a classmate, from Elementary to High School. Always such a pleasant and kind hearted person. It was a blessing to be able to fellowship with him in 2017 as the class of '87 recognized our 30TH year as SHS graduates.May our Father above continue to guide, comfort and keep the Cunningham family. Peace and Love, Mrs. Tina Fowler Smith and Rev. Dennis Smith

This just broke my heart Michael, had been a friend since the first grade.. Not many knew he played the violin (lol) Just like the Steelers no good. Tasha I hope the memories bring you comfort. Michael was a great guy that truly love you. Take your rest my brother.God Bless.

Mike, you will be truly missed. I thank you for being a cousin and friend through out the years. Even when I didn't want to hear the truth or about the Steelers. Lol! I love you and pray that you rest in peace. From your annoying cousin in law and rival (Dallas Cowboys fan)

My condolences to the family and friends

My heart goes out to you Tasha, I could feel the love you and Mike had for each other. Mike is, was and always will be one of my boys. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs, love and prayers. JoAnn Landrum

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike. He was an awesome friend, husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed greatly. Sending love and prayers to the entire family.

Cherie and Kevin Pearsall

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of "Big Mike". I worked with him at Applebee's in Rock Hill for many years and I absolutely loved him to death as one of my dearest friends. It was truly an honor to have known him and he will be greatly missed. My prayers go out to the entire family in this difficult time. May our God in heaven wrap you in his loving arms and give you peace and comfort.

God bless your family.

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Take care and God bless.

Please accept my dearest condolences on your loss. I remember Michael as always being nice during our years of riding the bus and going to school together. I hope your memories will bring some comfort, as you continue to heal. God bless your family. Hold onto his promises of hope and comfort, as you move forward. Take Care.

My dear childhood friend, I was saddened to hear of your passing . You family is in my prayers! Rest in Paradise my dear friend! Nakia Dogan

Rev.Daniel Fowler

I was saddened to hear about my friend Mike passing he was like a brother to me. He texted me one day and I was planning to visit him and the next day Tasha text me and let me know he had passed. Truly life is a vapor here today and gone tomorrow. Tasha you and the family stay strong trust GOD to lead you.

My dearest Tasha . I am so sorry for the loss of your Husband . May you and the family find some comfort in knowing that Mike is in no more pain he has been made new . What a beautiful sight for him to wake up and be in the presence of Jesus ! I Love you Friend and will continue to lift you up in my prayers . Kimberly E .

This just breaks my heart. Mike was a good friend that I had the pleasure to work with. My prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. God Bless. Marge Tinney

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC

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