Stephen Harrell Cunningham, 68, died suddenly Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, at his home in Alba, Texas. He was born March 12, 1944, to W.H. "Jugo" and Ruth Spradling Cunningham. Steve graduated from Chaffee High School in 1962. While in high school, he was an outstanding athlete in baseball, football and basketball. His senior year, Steve was chosen as high school prep All-American in basketball. Upon graduation, he attended Western Kentucky University on a full basketball scholarship. He received a B.S. degree in education from WKU in Bowling Green in 1966. In 1965, his team played in the NIT tournament in Madison Square Garden, and in 1966 his team played in the NCAA tournament. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals professional basketball team but after suffering an ankle injury in training camp, decided to move into coaching. He accepted the head coaching position at Union County High School in Morganfield, Ky. After four successful seasons coaching he accepted a job in medical sales in Mississippi where he remained for 10 years. Steve worked for Mallinckrodt, Bristol Myers Squibb and retired from Bracco Diagnostics as the southwest territory manager. He received numerous awards including the Renaissance award for highest sales and best region. He was of the Methodist belief. Steve married Barbara Paris Aug. 7, 1965. A son, Pride Andrew, was born Jan. 28, 1976. He later married Jean Pennington Feb. 14, 1981. She preceded him in death Aug. 13, 2010. Survivors are a son, Pride Andrew Cunningham (Kaisi) and children Ryvers and Ella of Columbia, S.C.; daughter Amanda Cantro (Miguel) and children Elizabeth, Miguel and Victoria, daughter Paige Pennington of Plano, Texas; a sister, Linda Wessel (Michael) of rural Cape Girardeau County; a brother, Thomas Cunningham (Janeene) of Chaffee, Mo.; a niece, Jamie Nix (Shawn) of Chaffee; two nephews, Steven Wessel (Jill) of Chaffee and Brian Payne of Cape Girardeau. He was also preceded in death by a nephew, Randy Payne. Steve was always considered a true gentleman, with a loving and caring disposition toward all. He gave everyone the respect and dignity that they were due and was loved by neighbors, friends, co-workers and family members. He was truly selfless and always sought to make everyone happy, comfortable and valued. He put others before himself and did not value material possessions. He had the sharpest memory and held vivid details of every part of his education, work and life. He could always recall any place, time, memory, or quote even back to his childhood in remarkable accuracy. Most of all, we will remember and miss his infectious laugh, even and mild nature, and big hugs. A memorial service was held Oct. 13 in Plano. Friends and family may visit from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee. A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at the chapel, with the Rev. Paul Short of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Chaffee High School Athletic Booster Club.
