S. M. Cunningham of Lubbock passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at the age of 83. He was born August 25, 1938, in Estacado, Texas to Sylven McConnico and Iva Lee (Powell) Cunningham. S. M. graduated from Lubbock High School in 1957. He married Barbara Woods on January 30, 1959. He worked for many years as a self-employed carpet layer and together they owned True Grit Western Wear for 11 years. S. M. enjoyed raising horses and attending horse races at the Ruidoso Downs. He was a member of Vandelia Church of Christ. More than anything, S. M. wanted people to know he had "the most wonderful family in the world".
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Barbara of 63 years; children, Ricky Cunningham of Lubbock and Robin Cunningham of Neenah, Wisconsin; siblings, Juanita Haney, Lloyd (Mary Ann) Cunningham, Winnie Harkness, Sivie Burnett, and Larry (Julie) Cunningham; sister-in-law, Debbie Holt; grandchildren, Jason Bridgeman, Justin Bridgeman, Steven Bridgeman, Michelle Ritter, Haylie Cunningham (Chuck), Tanner Cunningham (Tori), Tyler Cunningham, Joshua Wiedoff (Merissa), Zachary Wiedoff, and Jacob Wiedoff; and 21 great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends who loved him dearly.
S. M. was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Tammy Gamboa on February 11, 2001; siblings, Homer Cunningham, Reba Cunningham, Lowell Cunningham, Velma "Sis" Gillespie, L.D. Cunningham, and Clayton Cunningham.
Visitation will be 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 8, 2021, at Combest Family Memorial Chapel with family receiving friends from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Services are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at Combest Family Memorial Chapel with interment to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.
The family would like to say a special thank you to Hospice of Lubbock for the care they provided.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to Hospice of Lubbock, 3702 21st Street, Lubbock, Texas 79410.