Fred Richard Cunningham

CUNNINGHAM, Richard was born on August 29, 1929, in Kemp, TX., and passed away at Baylor Medical Center on November 2, 2004. Richard attended school in Kemp and after high school joined the Army where he proudly served his country overseas until August of 1949. While home on leave from Korea, Richard met Patricia Deen on a blind date, after a three-week romance they were married on November 14, 1948.After being discharged from the Army, Richard and Pat made their home in Pleasant Grove and started their family.In 1963, Richard, Pat and their two sons moved to Forney and began a grocery business that lasted for 23 years.Richard?s ability to be of service to his church and community were of utmost importance to him.Richard's service included 7 years as a city council member, 22 years as chief electrical inspector and 21 years as a member of the Forney Fire Department.Richard was a member of the Forney Lions club, and was Santa Claus to the children of Forney for over 20 years.Richard was very proud of commitment to the Lord and served his church community in many ways, including being ordained a deacon on September 8, 1991 and helping to build churches throughout Texas and into Mexico on numerous mission trips. Richard will be missed by many, but especially his loving family.His survivors included his wife of 55 years, Patricia.Two sons, Richard and his wife, Cindy and Steve and his wife, Dianne.Seven grandchildren, Alan & Melissa Cunningham, Diana Cunningham, Christopher Cunningham, Joshua Brincks, Nicholas Brincks, Kyle & Alicia Chapman, and Jessica Chapman. Survivors also include three brothers, Herb Cunningham of Mesquite, James Cunningham of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Tom Cunningham of Forney.He was preceded in death by his parents, C. M. & Oddist Cunningham and one brother, Kenneth Cunningham.