William Cummings Cunningham, 80, formerly of Woodbine Avenue in East Liverpool, passed away at 10:45 a.m. Friday morning, January 15, 2016 at the Kobacher House in Columbus, Ohio, following a sudden illness.

Born on October 6, 1935 at East Liverpool, he was a son of the late William A. and Pearl Lutton Cunningham. A lifetime area resident, he worked at the former Crucible Steel Company in Midland, Pennsylvania until its closing in 1982. He then went to work for the Nationwide Insurance Company until his retirement.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, he was an avid golfer and once, while playing with his father and brother, he shot a “hole-in-one”. He loved to play basketball, and for many years, he coached in the EL YMCA League with his brother, Richard. He also made it known that he was a proud and devoted fan of the East Liverpool Potters football and basketball teams, as well as the Miami Dolphins and the Notre Dame Fightin’ Irish.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Cordero Cunningham, whom he married September 17, 1960, along with three daughters: Teresa “Tere” Rufener and her husband, Bob, of East Liverpool; Stephanie Stein of Columbus; and Jana Cunningham and her husband, Farrokh HajiGhassem of Tampa, Florida; and one son, Michael Cunningham and his wife, Melanie, of Grove City, Ohio.

There are nine grandchildren: Codie Rufener, Brando Worthington, Alexis Rufener, Halle HajiGhassem, Bryce Stein, Zari HajiGhassem, Shayne Stein, Matthew Cunningham, and Collin Cunningham.

In addition, he leaves behind one sister, Sharon Brown of Wellsville, and one brother, Ronald Cunningham and his wife, Carol, of Lisbon.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, George “Richard” Cunningham, along with his twin brother, Robert Cunningham.

Friends may visit the family on Monday, January 18th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Dawson Funeral Home in East Liverpool. Pastor Cody Berry of the Destiny House Church will conduct a funeral service at 10:00 am Tuesday at the funeral home.

Burial will take place in Columbiana County Memorial Park.

Immediately following the service, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center.