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FROM STAFF REPORTS

On Sunday, Oct. 27 in the Montevallo Pecan Grove, the Dedication of the Memorial Bench for Dr. Earl C. Cunningham, Sr. This event has been long in the making with a committee and first meeting on March 17, 2022.

Joyce Lewis, a dear friend of Cunningham’s, first had the idea of placing a remembrance bench in Montevallo. Keith Lawler was brought onboard to design and build the bench and then fundraising started. The Pecan Grove next to the Parnell Memorial Library was chosen due to the library being one of Cunningham’s favorite places to visit.

In April of this year, the bench was completed and the planning started for the dedication ceremony to be in October since Oct. 26 was Cunningham’s birthday.

The dedication ceremony had a crowd of family and friends with an agenda consisting of Mayor Rusty Nix with the welcome, invocation by Rev. John Adams, star spangled banner sung by Madison Smith, introduction of guests by “Dollar” Bill Lawson, history of bench by Joyce Brown Lewis and Keith Lawler, unveiling of the bench by the Cunningham family, honoree tributes by Rev. John W. Adams, Stanley Dawson, Dr. Walker, Mr. Ernest Montgomery, Steve Sears, and Particia T. Granger.

Next, State Rep. Kenneth Paschal read the State of Alabama Resolution and Recognition and presented these documents with the Alabama State flag to Earl’s family.  This Alabama State flag was flown at the State Capitol on October 2, 2024 in honor of Cunningham. Closing tune, “It’s a Wonderful World”, was performed by JQ Music with Closing Remarks by Joyce Lewis. Flag Bearer Roy Brook was also in attendance. A reception was held in the Parnell Memorial Library meeting room following the dedication ceremony.

Cunningham’s niece, Particia T. Granger, stated that people can experience two deaths, one when the good Lord calls you home and one when people stop talking about you. Now, with Cunningham’s bench being located in the heart of Montevallo, there are no worries of a second death.

Cunningham passed away on April 1, 2017, after a lifetime of service to his family, city, county, community and country. He served a distinguished career in the United States Navy from 1950-1954 and United States Army from 1955-1971. During his military service in Korea and Vietnam, Cunningham was honored with two bronze stars.

With an impressive academic background, he earned six college degrees and served as a professor at the University of Alabama Birmingham and the University of Montevallo. He was involved in over 30 civic and business organizations, served as a county commissioner and was a familiar and friendly face in Montevallo.

Cunningham once expressed, “If you ever have anything, pass it on to others.” The cherished memories shared by his family and close friends serve as a testament to the fact that he truly lived by this principle.