Dr. Robert Bob Edward Cunningham Sr.

June 2, 1930 ~ July 4,2013

Dr. Robert Edward 'Bob' Cunningham, 83, a long time resident of Marietta, Georgia, (1965 - 1991), passed away at his home in Fort Walton Beach, FL, on July 4, 2013. Bob was a warm, caring, accomplished man and father with a big heart. He proudly defended our nation, honorably contributed to many local communities and above all else, he loved his family with selflessness. He will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his wife of nine years, Barbara Merrill Cunningham (Ft Walton Beach, FL), daughters, Lynn C. Harden (Chicago, IL) and Debra C. Scott (Acworth, GA); sons, Robert E. Cunningham, Jr. (Milton, GA) and Donald A. Cunningham (Charlottesville, VA); plus six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many extended family members. "Sweet Old Bob" as he liked to be called, was born in Pensacola, FL, enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 16, retiring as a Major with more than 30 years of service between active duty and the Alabama and Georgia Air National Guards. Dr. Cunningham graduated in 1959 from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, becoming the 17th licensed Chiropractor in the state of Georgia in 1960. At various times throughout his storied life, Bob was a crop duster pilot, instructor pilot, aircraft salesman and airport manager at Park Airfield (located where Parkaire Landing exists today), home-builder, real estate broker, Chiropractic industry consultant and college professor. The Patriot Guard Riders escorted Bob from Sandy Springs Christian Church to his final resting spot. A full military honor guard from the Georgia Air Nation Guard provided memorial services on Saturday, July 13, at 1 p.m. EST, at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mt. Vernon Hwy, N.W., Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Bob was laid to rest beside his beloved wife of more than 33 years, Lynda Loyce (Lynn) Cunningham of Baxley, Georgia (1925 - 1990). In lieu of flowers, Bob requested donations be made in his memory to: Alaqua Animal Refuge, 914 Whitfield Rd., Freeport, FL 32439. Donations can be mailed or submitted online at www.alaquaanimalrefuge.org.