William James Cunningham

November 26, 1941 – February 16, 2023

It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of our brother, William "Bill" Cunningham on February 16, 2023, at the age of 81.

Bill was born on November 26, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Harry and Bette Cunningham.  Moving with his family to Fresno, California in the early 1950s, Bill attended and graduated from Clovis High School in 1959.  Bill's first real job was as a copyboy with the Fresno Bee; a job that required a small motorcycle.  Our mother was not happy about the motorcycle part but he was so excited our parents soon relented and that was the start of his career in the newspaper business.  Being the meticulous person that he was, Bill soon moved up in the classified department, while attending college at night.  After nearly 30 years at the Fresno Bee, he moved to the Antelope Valley Press in Lancaster, California.  Making one more move to Lompoc, California, Bill retired from the Santa Maria Times.  Over the course of his career, Bill won numerous awards and received a letter of recognition for implementing several industry initiatives while serving on the board of the Newspaper Association of America.

In 1961, Bill married the love of his life, Dorothy L. Freeman.  They were married for 61 years before she passed in September of 2022.  Together they had one son, Keven James Cunningham, who passed away in 2005.  Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, their son, Keven, his parents, and brother, Ted.  He is survived by his loving sister, Candy Axt and her husband Alan of Madera, California, his brother, Chris Cunningham, and his wife Sarey of Clovis, California, his niece, Beth Rogers and her husband Dustin, grandniece, Ava Rogers of Fresno, California, nephews, Connor Cunningham and his children, Elle Grey and Maverick of Clovis, California, Christian Cunningham and his wife Brigitta and their children, June and George of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Colton Cunningham of Clovis, California.

Bill will be remembered for his love of family, his sense of humor, his witty personality, and his generous heart.  Our family is at peace knowing Bill has been reunited in Heaven with his beloved Dorothy and son, Keven.

Remembrances may be made to Lompoc Church of Christ, 138 N. O Street, Lompoc, California 93436.