Ronald Cunningham

Ronald Cunningham was born on August 1st, 1963 in Torrance California to his loving parents, Howard Cunningham and Berline Cunningham. He was the 8th of 13 children. Ronald was a loving, compassionate, vibrant man with a humor and candor that touched the hearts of those who crossed his path. Ron attended Sweetwater High School in National City, California. He was a friend to the those he met and was known for his big loving heart. In addition to his loving personality and strikingly good looks; he was also recognized for his athletic abilities. He was a defensive safety/Punt returner for Sweetwater High School Varsity Football team and to this day still holds the record for most yards on a punt return. He was also active in basketball and track. Ron was a graduate of the class of 1982. Ron enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1986. He was a member of the 1st Battalion 7th Marine Company, the infamous “Suicide Charley”. He toured Okinawa, Japan and was deployed to the Philippines, Bali Indonesia, Hawaii and Kuwait. During his time in the Marine Corps he was awarded the Sharpshooter Rifle Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Mast and the Good Conduct Medal. Ron was known for his infantry skills, always being “squared away” and being a mentor to those younger than him, helping them get acclimated to the life of being a Marine. Upon completing his time of service, he ended his military career with an Honorable Discharge. For Ron and his company, the Marine Corps was more than just a time of service but a true brotherhood that would last a lifetime. Although his time in the military ended-his dedication to living his life in acts of service never ceased. Ron loved using his talents and knowledge and experiences to help others. He was involved with his community. He was a little league football coach and loved watching his two little girls, Sierra and Shianne cheerlead on the sidelines. He later became his daughters personal track coach helping them get to the state qualifiers and Junior Olympics. He was a teacher, tutor and mentor to many. He was also a fun, protective and loving uncle that was crazy about all his nieces and nephews. Ron was kind and exemplified being a man with integrity. He would hold you accountable if you treated someone poorly. He would commend you every time you worked towards and accomplished a goal or helped others. Ron was loving and so generous that he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. A life-long learner, he even attended Los Angeles Community College alongside his daughter while she attended USC and helped so many while making numerous friends there. An avid reader, talented writer, comical genius and handsome face and soul, his charismatic personality made it so he never met a stranger. With all of Rons accomplishments, his greatest joy and accomplishment in life were his two daughters, Sierra and Shianne Cunningham. Ron was known best for his undeniable, rich and overflowing love for his daughters. He absolutely loved being a father, he was a present, generous and a passionate father. He was their rock, biggest cheerleader and warmth. Ronald was a one of a kind individual, something truly special and will be sorely missed and cherished by all that knew him. On October 25th, 2017, Ronald transitioned to the Lord. His father and mother Howard and Berline Cunningham, brothers Stevie and Edward Cunningham and Sister Alisa Cunningham all preceded him in passing. He is survived by his 2 daughters; Sierra Cunningham 25 and Shianne Cunningham 22; 9 siblings and their spouses; Howard and Regina Cunningham, Patricia Russell, James and Brenda Woods, Stanley and Richelle Cunningham, Service Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #3 Tuesday 11/14, 1:30 pm Cemetery Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area #4 Thursday 1/1 Memorial Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary 951-687-0551 | Tuesday 11/14, 11:00 am