Columbus, N.C. - William "Bill" Francis Cunningham, 83, of Spring Lane, Columbus, NC, died Monday, September 21, 2009 at his home with his wife at his side. Born in Queens, NY, he was the son of the late William H. and Ann Kuchta Cunningham. He was a Veteran of WWII having served in the U. S. Army Air Corp. Mr. Cunningham formerly lived in North Babylon and Islip, NY where he was a member of both local fire departments and was an elementary school principal in North Babylon. After moving to Polk County in 1984, Bill joined the Mill Spring Volunteer Fire Department where he served as Chief and was currently Chief Emeritus. He had also served as the President of the Western North Carolina Firefighters Association. Mr. Cunningham was past president of Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, was inducted into the Second Wind Hall of Fame in 1996 and was active in several other local organizations. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, Tryon, NC. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Regina Felix Cunningham; three sons, William H. Cunningham of Boonton, NJ, James Cunningham (Joyce) of Los Altos, CA and Daniel Cunningham (Pamela) of San Jose, CA; two daughters, Susan Fitzpatrick (Stephen) of Dix Hills, NY and Linda Jenkins (Lewis) of Apex, NC; a brother, Richard Cunningham of Coram, NY. Also surviving are 9 grandchildren. The family will receive friends Friday, September 25, 2009 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC. A private Mass of Christian burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009 in St. John's Catholic Church, Tryon, NC with Father John M. Pagel officiating. Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon, NC with Dr. Chris Osborn officiating. A procession will continue to the Mill Spring Volunteer Fire Dept. for a brief flag presentation. Burial will be in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus, NC with Military Rites by the Polk County Memorial Burial Squad. Memorials may be made to the Mill Spring Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 7, Mill Spring, NC 28756.
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