Robert F. Cunningham Jr., 83: An Original Buckhead Boy

Robert F. Cunningham, Jr., age 83, went to be with his Lord on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013.

Burial was Oct. 30 at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery, and the service was at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. George W. (Chip) Miller, the Rev. Randy Pope and the Rev. Matt Brinkley officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts may be made to: First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry St., Macon GA 31201, or The Gideon's International, P.O. Box 5718, Macon, GA 31208, or National Day of Prayer/HLM, P.O. Box 6275, Macon GA 31208 or Haggai Institute/Evangelism International, Box 13, Atlanta GA 30370 or Donor's charity.

Bob was born in Atlanta, GA on Nov. 24, 1929 to the late Robert Frederick Cunningham, Sr. and Mabel Cocke Cunningham. He grew up on Ponce de Leon Avenue and was one of the original Buckhead Boys. He was graduated from Marist College (High School) in Atlanta in 1947 and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and The Citadel College. He was graduated from the University of Georgia in 1952, where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. He then served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War, and married his college sweetheart, Anabel H. Cunningham, of Atlanta on Nov. 6, 1953.

The Cunninghams moved to Macon in 1959 where Bob spent 11 years in retail management before entering the insurance business in 1967, and was the retired owner of the Warlick-Cunningham Insurance Agency. He was active in the Macon business and civic community and served as President of the following: Macon Retail Merchants Association; Bibb County Cancer Society, Macon Exchange Club; and the Macon Rescue Mission. He also served as a board member of the Macon Chamber of Commerce, and was a member of Post 3 of the American Legion. He was also chairman and long time member of the Bibb County Republican Party, and was a member and chairman of the Platform and Resolutions Committee of the Georgia Republican Party for a number of years. He believed firmly that the platform should clearly state the Party's moral and fiscal positions on the issues. He was also the Republican candidate for the 8th Congressional District of Georgia in 1990 and 1992.

He and his family were long time members of the Idle Hour Golf and Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf with friends and those occasional late afternoon rounds with his son. Some of his favorite memories were annual family vacations at Fernandina Beach and father-son Florida fishing trips at the St. Marks River. He enjoyed working with his son and other boys in Scouting and Little League.

In 1965 Bob accepted Christ as his Savior after hearing several messages from a retired medical doctor explaining the gospel message. He and his wife, Anabel, became members of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as Deacon, Elder and Trustee, and Sunday School teacher for the Somerville Class for many years. He and Anabel were privileged to host local college students for Bible Study and covered dish dinners at their home for a number of years. It is not uncommon to hear former students and attendees of these gatherings talk about the life-changing impact these times had on their lives.

In 1980 Bob took a leave of absence from his work, and with his wife moved to the Philippines and later to Seoul, Korea, to serve as the East Asia Business Administrator of Campus Crusade for Christ during the ministry's transition from American to national leadership. They returned to the U.S. in 1983.

For many years he and several other laymen held services one Sunday each month in the local prison, and were privileged to see many inmates come to saving faith in Christ. He was also a frequent speaker at the Macon Rescue Mission.

For the last several years he and other local laymen have hosted a monthly Pastor's Prayer Luncheon to encourage local pastors in their ministries. He was also a long time member of the local National Day of Prayer Committee, whose purpose is to call our nation back to Almighty God.

Of special concern to him in recent years have been the problems among our youth since the removal of prayer and Bible reading, and the display and teaching of the Ten Commandments from our public schools and buildings. He believed that these actions have had a very detrimental effect on our nation. It was his desire to see our nation return to the bedrock principles of the founders of America. He loved his Lord, his family, his church and his country. All who have been privileged to know Bob know his love for the Lord Jesus was the driving force of his life. His answer when called to do something for his Lord was always "yes." No doubt he was welcomed home with the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Pine Pointe Hospice for their tender loving care over the last week of his life.

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Anabel, as well as his children: Lucy Harrison, Macon; Connie Cunningham, Cumming, and Cleve Cunningham and his wife, Kathy, Macon. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Reid Harrison, Bluffton, GA; Katie Mangrum and her husband, Jason, Perry; and Robert Cunningham and his wife, Katherine, St. Louis, MO, and two great grandchildren; also, his sister, Patricia C. Williams of Atlanta, and brothers-in-law Dixon Holladay (Ginny) and Russell Holladay (Eva) as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of the arrangements.