Dea. William Levi Cunningham

October 8, 1931 - May 6, 2019

William Cunningham October 8, 1931 – May 6, 2019 May 11, 2019 1:00 pm Zion Baptist Church 312 W. 8th St Paris, KY William Levi Cunningham was born in Clark County, Kentucky on October 8, 1931, to the late William Henry and Mary Alice Cunningham. He departed this life on Monday, May 6, 2019. Levi, as he was called, was educated in the Clark County Public School System. At the beginning of the Korean Conflict, he entered into the US Army and served three tours in a supporting role to the 24th Infantry. After returning home, he entered the US Army Reserves and served for another seven years. He reenlisted in the 1960s and served our country well as a Quartermaster while deployed to Japan. After 26 years of service, Bro. Levi obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Bro. Levi retired from the military in March 1979. One day in the early 1970s, Bro. Cunningham was struck by cupid’s arrow and fell in love with the beautiful Ms. Ella Thompson Taylor. For the next 46 years they had a marriage that stood the test of time and was a model for many couples across the state. Bro. Cunningham accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and became a member of the West Bend Baptist Church, being baptized by Pastor H.M. Sledge. Over the years he served in many capacities including Senior Deacon, Church Clerk, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Layman’s President and Church Maintenance Supervisor. He was also a faithful member of the Mt. Pleasant District of the General Association of Baptists in Kentucky and the New Liberty Sunday School Convention serving in several positions. His work continued as a member of Zion Baptist Church where he served with distinction as a deacon and Sunday school teacher under the pastorate of Rev. Aaron Crumbie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Tavis Taylor and close friends, Bro. James Hill, Dea. Edward Stewart, Dea. James Stewart, Sr. and Donald Lyles. Deacon William Levi Cunningham will be greatly missed by his wife Ella Cunningham; three sons, Tim (Gardenia) Taylor, Keith (Darlene) Taylor and Christopher L. (Laura) Cunningham; fourteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Henri Mae Bell; a sister-in-law; Ruthann (James) Harvell; two brothers-in-law, Joseph Thompson and John Franklin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends including Bro. Marvin Haggard.