Cecil "Rick" Allen Cunningham was a beloved husband, father, Opa, and Uropa during his incredible 80 years of life. He passed away in the early hours of Monday, January 3, 2022 in Houston, Texas.

Cecil "Rick" was born January 5, 1941 in Houston, Texas to parents Richard "Buddy" and Delma Cunningham. Rick is also preceded in death by his son, Ricky Cunningham; brothers, Martin Lee Cunningham and Michael Cunningham.

Rick had a deep love for music, his country, family, and his loving wife of 59 years, Edith Cunningham. In his early adult years, Rick proudly served his country in the United States Army and was eventually stationed in Frankfurt, Germany where he married Edith and began to raise a family. While in Germany, Rick managed a band and was an accomplished musician. Many say that Rick could fill any silent room with joy and memorable melodies while he strummed away at his guitar. After several years in Germany, he moved his guitar, wife, and children to Houston, Texas. He began a new career as a locksmith and continued to make great memories and play music throughout his life.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Edith Cunningham; his siblings, Barbara and Tommy Cunningham; his children, Joyce Smith (Marc), Linda Cunningham, Sherry Thomas (Jerry Darell), and Sheldon Cunningham; his grandchildren, Matt Smith, Carrie Smith, Kayla Smith, Matthew Ylvisaker (Stephanie),  Patrick Ylvisaker, Joshua Ylvisaker, Brian Ylvisaker (Kelly), Crystal Franklin, Dalton Thomas, Sheldon Jr. Cunningham, Andy Cunningham; and his great grandchildren, Mason Ylvisaker, Odin Ylvisaker, Carolina Ylvisaker, Liam Smith, and Audrey Smith.