Charles “Rick” Cunningham

Charles Richard Cunningham, “Rick,” passed away at home surrounded by his family on January 1, 2021, at the age of 76, after a brief illness. Rick loved his family and had a great sense of humor. He was a diligent, hard worker and never met a stranger. Rick always had a friendly smile in addition to being generous with his time and resources. He loved to fish and mow the lawn. He was born in Miami, Florida on March 25, 1944. His parents were John Cunningham and Julia Bethel Cunningham. He served in the Vietnam War. He met his wife June Simerly Cunningham in Melbourne, Florida. He was a gifted crafts- man, he built his home in Ocala, Florida when his family moved there in 1979. He owned All Phase Electric for 36 years and built a base of customers and builders who became life-long friends. He worked at Central Florida Commu- nity College as well, teaching electrical skills and mentoring students from Costa Rica. Although he was not a cowboy, he was willing to wrangle a steer every now and then for his daughters in the 4H program. He served in AWANA at Highlands Baptist Church for many years. He was a member of Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church in Lecanto, Florida. He worked with the Good News Club at Shady Hill Elementary School.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, Jackie Cunningham and June Van Balen. He is survived by his wife, June Simerly Cunningham, his daughters, Joy Gallagher and Tara Gallagher (John), grandchildren, Megan and Kaitlyn, Noah and Ivy, his sister, Patricia Laborda (Pete), nephews Mike Laborda (Dayline), Jeff Laborda (Linh), Gary Van Balen, niece Katie Pohl- man (Gary), as well as Michael Laborda, Ashley Hamilton (Chris), Kehley Lombardi (CJ) and Kimmy Burt (Andrew).

A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ocala, Florida on Saturday January 9 at 10 am. Pastor Brandon Lauronzon will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to www.awana.org in Rick’s memory.