Bernard Richard Cunningham
September 9, 1951 – April 28, 2025

Bernard Richard Cunningham suddenly passed away at home on April 28, 2025, in Denton, Texas, at the age of 73. He was born on September 9, 1951, in Helena, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Winnie Cunningham and older sister Carolyn Murray.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Janet Cunningham of Denton, Texas; his children, Emily Tipton of Denton, Tecoah Cunningham of Lake Dallas, Texas, Jessica Renfro of Lake Dallas, and James Cunningham of Fort Worth, Texas; his grandchildren, Raven Tabor of Justin, Texas, April Cunningham of Newark, Texas, Chris Spears of Tallahassee, Florida, Porter Tipton of Denton, Texas, Zack Renfro of Lake Dallas, Andy Renfro of Lake Dallas, and Jake Renfro of Lake Dallas; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Michael and Donna Cunningham of Greenbriar, Arkansas, Patrick Cunningham of Little Rock, Arkansas, Kevin and Esther Cunningham of Rowlett, Texas, Christopher Cunningham of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Patti Cunningham of New Orleans, Louisiana; as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

Bernie had a bright, silly spirit and a deep love for history, family stories, and the people closest to him. He never missed a chance to share something he found interesting—especially if it made him laugh. If he thought it was funny, you had to see it too. He was endlessly proud of his family, especially his grandchildren. He stepped up with quiet strength and love, filling in for his grandchildren when their fathers couldn't be there.

Despite his deafness, Bernie loved music. He loved singing silly songs to his children and grandchildren. He cherished outings to the movies or dinner with the people he loved most. He embraced his Irish heritage with pride and enjoyed talking about his ancestry and traditions. A lifelong fan of science fiction, Bernie loved reading, solving puzzles, exploring new technology, and collecting gadgets of all kinds.

He began his education at Phillips County Community College, where he earned his associate's degree. After his children were born, Bernie completed his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Dallas while working full time. In 1991, he began working for Boeing. His department was later sold to Labinal (now known as Safran), where he remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2021.

If he could help you, he would—without hesitation. Bernie's legacy lives on in the stories he told, the laughter he shared, and the steady, loving presence he offered to every generation of his family.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Justin, located at 402 W. 8th Street, Justin, TX 76247.