Francis Sydney Cunningham

Francis Sydney Cunningham, 92, “Glider Pilot takes his last flight on July 12, 2014”, He is survived by his beloved co-pilot of 72 years Eleanor Elizabeth Wood. Born March 28, 1922 to the late Rev.William K. Cunningham, Sr. and Josephine W. Cunningham. Former member of New Covenant Baptist Church, member of the Richmond Traffic Club, Church Deacon, and Sunday School Teacher, Past Master L.P. Lodge #302 Blue Lodge & Walter Earnest lodge and the Shriners, and the Glider Pilots Association. Sydney was a WWII veteran, a glider pilot in the European Theater flying in Europe, Africa, and Middle East, receiving the Air Medal, Orange Lanyard, Victory Medal, American Campaign Medals, and the European - African – Middle Eastern Medals. Along with his “co-pilot”, Sydney is survived by his daughters Marye C. Pleasants of Richmond, and Norma Ann Rowe (Robert) of Annapolis, Md. two grandchildren; Emily P. Ruppert (Paul) of Virginia Beach, and John P. Pleasants (Lori) of Richmond. Two great grandchildren Andrew John Ruppert and Zachary Joseph Pleasants, niece Lauren Stevens (Mark), Joan W. Bennett of GA. and Donald Wood of NJ, Michael Wood of Richmond, Carlton Wood of Richmond, and many nieces and great nephews. The family will receive friends for a memorial service on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Woody Funeral Home, Huguenot Chapel; 1020 Huguenot Rd. Midlothian Va. Interment will be private at Amelia Veterans Cemetery, Amelia, VA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to McGuire VAMC – G.P.F. -1047, address is: Kim Jones -117, 1201 Broad Rock Rd.,Richmond, VA 23249 or the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences may be left at www.woodyfuneralhome.com.