William Finley (Billy) Cunningham

William Finley (Billy) Cunningham 54, of New Albany Indiana. August 26, 1967 - November 25, 2021

Preceeded in death: Birth mother Esther Cunningham Chroninger, Grandparent's Josephine M. (Rothrock) and George F Cunningham, Alberta J. and Robert L. Wilson. Father (Uncle) David Leland Cunningham and a Brother Guy L. Antle.    Survived by Mother (Aunt) Helen Wilson Cunningham. Sister's Becky Keister (Tom) and Kerri Flanagan (Joe) Brother's Larry King and David Cunningham (Kristine), Cousin's Sandy Farnsley and Roy Cunningham and several loving neices and nephews. 

Billy had numerous interest: He was an avid University of Kentucky Fan. He was active in Special Olympics until his Muscular Dystrophy wouldn't allow. Even then that couldn't keep him down He worked in the work shop at Rauch Industries and for New Hope Services. He had a great love for the outdoors. Fishing was one of his favorites. He sure could tell a good fish tale. He enjoyed playing board games with friends and getting into match games with Mary Kay on their tablets. His interest for wrestling was bigger than any I know of. He just couldn't seem to get enough. He would watch every time it was on TV, then would watch movies of it when it wasnt on T.V. His staff from Indiana Mentor; William was a great encourager and friend to Billy. They would go on outings to the local Flea Markets and Peddlers Mall, or just go shopping for various things of interest. They also shared their love of our Savior; Jesus Christ. Billy had numerous friends and kept in touch with them on the phone. After he talked with them he would call and give a play by play report of the different life situations they were in or things they were going through.

Billy looked forward to family outings. Christmas gatherings was one of his favorites. He always wanted to get out and watch fireworks on the 4th of July. He watched quite a show at his sisters this year and proclaimed "this one was better than Thunder!" Recently in October, Billy got out with family for a trip to the beach which included a trip to the Zoo; where he fed the giraffe and took a Dolphin Cruise and was able to see several of them jumping up out of the water. He looked forward to Thanksgiving. But the good Lord called him home to celebrate a feast in Heaven on Thursday this Thanksgiving.

One of our recent talks he just beamed when he spoke of his childhood telling of the things he and his siblings did when when they were younger. Swimming, fishing, hiking and camping at the State Parks. He told of his first memories of sitting on his Grandpop's lap watching wrestling. He talked of his marriage to Stacey and the friendship he still had with her family. Steve was his good fishing buddy.

At one time Billy had quite a hot temper and it would flare up pretty fast.. This earned him the nickname of Wild Bill. With time and patience he learned to control that temper. For the last few years, he was known as Mild Bill. Still some just called him Billiam. He was a joy to sit and and talk with. He was loved by many. His quick whit and corny jokes made us laugh. He loved putting a smile on the faces of those he loved.

Billy knew he was getting worse. He saw his Mom, his Uncle and his Grandpa go through the end stages of Muscular Dystrophy. He often said "I dont want to be on a respirator" I think God honored his wishes when He called him home on Thanksgiving.  We can all be thankful to God; as Billy is no longer struggling to use his arms and legs. He is able to breath easy again. That makes my heart smile.

Rest easy Mild Bill. You will be missed and you are still so very loved...