Sam Cunningham, 39, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2016, at his home. He was born November 1, 1976 to Bobby and Dorothy Crowe Cunningham. He was the Band Director at Ripley High School and a member of West Corinth Church of Christ.
Sam Cunningham is currently in his sixteenth year of teaching band in Mississippi and is currently the director of bands at Ripley High School in the South Tippah School District. He coordinates the instrumental music program which serves over 325 students in grades six through twelve. Performance ensembles include The Ripley “Tiger” marching band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, eighth grade, seventh grade, and sixth grade bands. At Ripley High School, approximately one-third of the high school population is in the band program. Prior to his appointment at Ripley, Mr. Cunningham served as the Director of Bands at Kossuth High School in Alcorn County, Mississippi.
Mr. Cunningham was a 1995 graduateof New Site High school. After attending Northeast Mississippi Community College, he received his Degree from Delta State University. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Mississippi Bandmasters Association, the Northeast Mississippi Band Director’s Association, the Northeast Mississippi Junior High Band Director’s Association, the American School Band Director’s Association, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster’s Fraternity. He is the past recipient of the A. E. McClain Outstanding Young Band Director award given by the MBA, and a past recipient of the George Henry Schultz Outstanding Band Director Award given by the NEMBDA. He is the recipient of the National Band Association’s “Citation of Excellence” for outstanding contribution to bands and band music. He was also selected as Star Teacher for Ripley High school in 2011. He was selected as Ripley High School’s Teacher of the year in 2012, and the South Tippah School District’s Teacher of the year in 2013, and was recognized as a “Teacher of Distinction” in 2015. Mr. Cunningham has served on the staff of the Mississippi Lions All-State Band eight times and received the “Gary Cook Outstanding Staff Member Award” in 2015.
Mr. Cunningham and his wife, Libby, also a band director at Tishomingo County High School, live in Corinth, MS with their Chihuahua, Charli.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, July 7, 2016 at New Site High School Gym with Minister James Vansandt and Ken Lewis officiating. Burial will be in New Bethel Church of Christ Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Libby Cunningham; one sister, Dianne (Nicky) Cartwright of Booneville; one niece, Bridget (Marty) Barron of Booneville; two great-nieces, Aden and Johna; one great-nephew, Cartlin; special in laws; his band family past and present; and his band director colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be 5-9pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at McMillan Funeral Home and from noon until service time on Thursday at the New Site High School Gym.
Arrangements under the direction of McMillan Funeral Home, Booneville, MS.
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