Ray Gene Cunningham

Ray Gene Cunningham, 87, of Freeport, passed away on June 25, 2024 at Ascension Living St. Joseph in Freeport, Illinois. Ray was born on February 6, 1937 in Warsaw, Illinois, to Raydle and Hazel (Jobe) Cunningham. On October 7, 1958, he married Joyce Richardson in Macomb, Illinois. Ray graduated from Warsaw High School in 1955 and Western Illinois University, (Macomb) in 1959. He taught school for thirty three years. Three in Fairfield, Iowa, three in Winslow, Illinois, and 27 years in Freeport, before retiring in 1992. Past memberships include, Freeport Teachers and Illinois teachers Association.

Joyce and Ray looked forward to the weekends to square dance. An avid sportsman his entire life he enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, tennis, golf, and softball.

Survivors are son, David Cunningham of Freeport; daughter-in-law, Caitlin; grandson, Kevin Jr. and granddaughter, Sarah Cunningham of Petaluma, California; cousin, Artie Carlson of Keokuk, Iowa; sister and brother-in-law, Janet and Wally Lelm; also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, wife, Joyce; son, Kevin; and brother, Bruce.

Graveside services will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Illinois.