The Cunningham family mourns the loss of their light, their rock, and their patriarch — Samuel Cunningham , 71, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, who went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Mary Washington Hospital.

Born October 16, 1954 in McCormick, South Carolina, Samuel was a self-taught builder, painter, guitarist, and billiards connoisseur whose hands could create anything and whose heart belonged entirely to God. He worked tirelessly to give his family a better life, moving them from Washington D.C. to a home in Fredericksburg he was proud to call their own. Faith was his foundation — there was not a single day he did not proclaim the goodness of Jesus Christ. One of his favorite verses, was "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." — Romans 10:13

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Julia Cunningham and his brothers Lewis and James Jr.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Judith; his children, Laticia (Tony), Mark (Melissa), Joseph (Brittney), John (Kimberly), Maria (Matthew), Micah (Shaniqua), and Leah; twenty-two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at A.L. Bennett and Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 AM. The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park at 12:00 PM.