David "Jerry" Cunningham
July 23, 1946 ~ May 16, 2026
Born in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Resided in:
Fletcher, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly TrailDavid “Jerry” Cunningham, 79, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family.
Mr. Cunningham was born in Asheville, NC to the late Ben Cunningham Jr. and Callie Rhodes Cunningham. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Linda Burgess.
Jerry was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving from October 13, 1965 to October 10, 1968. He had worked as a parts manager at Fletcher Motor Corporation and as Transportation Director of the Henderson County Schools Bus Garage. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and President of the Hill Top Hunting Club which started in 1969. He was an excellent athlete and enjoyed sports of all kinds especially baseball. He played baseball into his adult years with different local teams and a league through his work at Fletcher Motor Corp. Most importantly he loved his family and would light up watching his grandsons play sports.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Claudia “Cissy” Cunningham; two sons, Phillip Cunningham (Janet) and Jonathan Cunningham (Colleen) and two grandsons, Benjamin Cunningham and Solomon Cunningham.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made St. Jude’s Children Hospital; www.stjude.org
Services
Memorial Service: May 22, 2026 11:00 am
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: May 22, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in David "Jerry" Cunningham 's name.
St. Jude Children's Hospital
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We were so saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. Where do you start when you have been friends for over 60 years. He touched so many people with his kind soul and giving spirit he will never be forgotten. I have so many wonderful memories of our times working together at Fletcher Motor and our Friday night fishing trips. I was so blessed to have had Jerry as a friend. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this difficult time. Wayne & Jean Fender
Just wanted to so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know Jerry very well, but I meet him at Fletcher Park when his grandson’s were playing baseball with my granddaughter. Will keep the family in our prayers.
I worked for Jerry in the Parts Dept at Fletcher Motor Company just as I got out of school n 1978. I then moved to the accounting side, but remained friends over the years. He was always respectful and a pleasure to see when our paths crossed. My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Cissy, please accept our sincere condolence. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Love,
Vinson & Claire Rhodes Serio
Cost, so very sorry to hear about Jerry. I know that he will be missed. I won’t be able to make it to visitation nor the funeral. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and Phillip, Jonathan and their family.
We are so saddened to learn the news of Jerry’s passing, and we can’t imagine how you and your family’s hearts must ache as you grieve. May it comfort you to remember that Jerry was a good man and will live on in everyone’s memories. On Friday we will be in South Carolina attending our granddaughter’s graduation at the same time as the visitation and memorial service, but know that we are holding you up in prayer as you celebrate and remember his life.
Much love!