Paul Lewis Cunningham

3/19/1947 - 10/5/2023

Paul Lewis Cunningham was called to his heavenly father's side early in the morning of October 5th, 2023. Surrounded by his family, Paul passed peacefully at the age of 76.

Paul will be laid to rest on October 10th in the cemetery at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church.  Viewing will be at the Messemer Funeral Home on October 9th. Paul is survived by his beloved wife Nelda (nee Cullwell), his sons Steven (Corey) and John-David (Zoe), and his grandchildren Andrew, Kate, and Ellie.

Born March 19th, 1947, the only child of Paul and Mildred Cunningham, Paul grew up in rural Jefferson and Walker Counties, where he developed his love of fishing, hunting, and the Lord at his parents' side. He graduated from Corner High School in 1965.

Paul completed his degree at the University of Livingston. Upon graduation he was a steel fabricator. It was during this time of his life that he met a young woman named Nelda. The two met through their mutual insurance agent, dating for only 4 weeks before they got engaged.  Six months later, they married in June of 1984, leading to the birth of their two sons in 1986 and 1998 and a marriage that lasted almost 40 years until his death.

Throughout his life, Paul was an avid fan of fishing, golf, and the University of Alabama. He remained a staunch supporter of the Crimson Tide, loving Alabama football almost as much as he loved his family. Paul also enjoyed visiting the beach and the mountains. He took numerous trips to both areas, but never in a hurry. He always took the scenic route, resulting in many hours spent driving along Alabama's back roads, finding beautiful landscapes and quaint rural stops along the way. He enjoyed life slowly, especially in his later years, where he would rather sit back and watch a football game or sit with family and friends and talk about the countryside.

Paul passed his love for these activities to his sons, and in time, his grandchildren. In his later years, he was known for telling jokes with his grandson and letting his granddaughters 'make his hair pretty', a privilege that was only ever given to his youngest family members in his life.

Paul will be missed by his family and friends in the Hayden community. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul's memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund through the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, where Paul received great care at the end of his life.

A visitation will be held at Messmer Goodwin Funeral Home Monday, October 9, 2023, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Union Grove Baptist Church (Hwy. 160, Hayden, Alabama), Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Mr. Cunningham will lie in state from 1:00-2:00 p.m at the church, with service beginning at 2:00 p.m.