Obituary of Lt. Col. Wm. W. "Bill" Cunningham

Lt. Col. Wm. W. (Bill) Cunningham, Ret., age 89 of Murfreesboro passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Born in Nashville, TN. He was a longtime resident of Murfreesboro. He belongs to the First United Methodist Church of Murfreesboro. He retired in 1987 from Paramount Packaging Co. Preceded in death by his wife, Arsula Cunningham. He leaves behind seven children, Carol, Wm. Jr., Judith, Linda, Michael, David and Rebecca and sixteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. His career started with O’Bryan Bro’s of Nashville and he became traffic manager and succeeded in getting a degree in transportation. He joined the Nashville Police Department and was put through the Nashville Police Academy. He later became employed by Spartan Industries of Sparta, TN. Then, Ferry Morse Seed Co., Fulton, KY, Paramount Packaging of Murfreesboro, TN. He was very fond of law enforcement and was elected constable of Rutherford Co. He was instrumental in chartering the Rutherford County Constables Association. The members appointed him commander with the title of Lt. Col. His friend, then Gov. Lamar Alexander appointed him staff member with the title of Colonel. Colonel Cunningham became a mason in Mt. Moriah Lodge in 1982 and served in all offices. He served two terms as Worshipful Master. He belongs to the Scottish Rite of Nashville and is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. His Masonic career also includes membership in the Knights Templar Commandery No. 10, where he served in all offices and was elected commander in which he served one term. The family will receive friends Friday, June 5, 2015 from 4-8 pm at Murfreesboro Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 12 noon until service time beginning at 2 PM at Murfreesboro Funeral Home with procession following to Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum for graveside services. Grandchildren will be pallbearers.