CUNNINGHAM

Richard Wayne “Cookie” Cunningham, age 79, passed away at home on Thursday, July 30, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on January 2, 1947, in London, Richard was a son of John W. Cunningham and Mary L. (Wood) Cunningham. A proud lifelong member of the community, Richard graduated from London High School in 1966. Shortly after, he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and went on to participate in Operation Desert Storm later in his service. Dedicated to military service, he devoted a total of 25 years to the U.S. Army and Reserves, spanning from 1970 to 1995.

Following his active duty, Richard attended Central State University, where his passion for sports led to an invitation to serve as their golf coach. He then went on to work professionally as a dockman for many years in the trucking industry for Core Materials and Wilson Trucking.

On April 7, 1973, Richard married the love of his life, Danette. Together they would continue to build a life centered around family and faith.

Coaching and mentoring youth was one of Richard’s defining passions. From 1985 to 2015, he was a fixture in London athletics, coaching junior high girls’ basketball, junior high football, and varsity golf for London High School. He was also a trusted mentor outside the gymnasium, serving as a chaperone on the annual eighth-grade trip for over 15 years. Later in life, he continued his love for athletics as a state basketball official in Florida from 2008-2019.

A man of faith, Richard attended several Methodist congregations over the years including St. Paul AME and Lafayette United Methodist Church in London, South Charleston United Methodist Church, and the First United Methodist Church of Port Richey, Florida.

Richard was a man of many passions who left a lasting legacy and a profound impact on youth, family, and friends alike. Anyone who came into contact with him walked away with a positive experience simply because of the person he was.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Danette (Worley) Cunningham; father-in-law Daniel Worley; brother John (Marie Claire) Cunningham and their children Vincent and Tony, brother Michael (Cindy) Cunningham and their children Rachel and Christian, and his sister Carol Ann Cunningham.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary; mother-in-law Betty Worley; brother-in-law Stephan Worley.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the EBERLE-FISHER FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 103 North Main Street, London, Ohio 43140. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM with Chaplain Tommy Whiteman and Chaplain Bernard Cason officiating. Interment with presentation of military honors will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 10:00 AM in Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W. Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45428.

Memorials in Richard’s name may be sent to benefit the First Baptist Church of London, 250 Toland Street, London, Ohio 43140.

Condolences for the Cunningham family are encouraged to be shared online at www.eberlefisherfuneralhome.com.